A Scottish security firm is to maintain its strong growth record after winning a bumper contract to help manage the crowds at a flagship London arts complex.

Glasgow-based Securigroup has been appointed to provide security services for the Southbank Centre by the Thames which describes itself as the UK's largest arts centre.

In a deal that will be worth around £250,000 to Securigroup annually, the company will supply staff to help ensure events like concerts and exhibitions run smoothly at the sprawling complex.

The company provided 50 staff to help manage the recent Jubilee Pageant to celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

The contract is one of a number that Securigroup has won in and around London in recent months. Russel Kerr, who owns Securigroup with Alan Morton, noted the company works with other big names in London, including NBC Universal the American media giant.

He added: "The most notable wins have been coming in and around London but we have had continued success in Scotland."

Noting that Securigroup won a five-year contract to provide security services for the new Forth road crossing, Mr Kerr said the industry has been very well supported by the Scottish Government.

This has specified that work on publicly-funded contracts should be awarded to Security Industry Authority firms, such as Securigroup.

The contract wins should help Securigroup maintain the progress it has achieved against a difficult backdrop. Draft accounts show the company increased turnover by 16% in the year to 31 March, to £13.6 million, from £11.7m in the preceding year.

Securigroup said other security firms had achieved an average 2% growth.

Pre-tax profits rose 7% in the latest year, to £446,000, from £416,000 last time.

Mr Kerr said Securigroup has benefited from being involved in a range of sectors, including retail, leisure, corporate and event security.

Securigroup has picked up lots of work from insolvency practitioners to look after properties that have been left empty amid the downturn.

The company, which provides stewards for events like the T in the Park pop event, has won more work on the back of the vogue for festivals.

The success has helped Securigroup create lots of jobs. The company employs around 1500 people, compared with 700 to 900 three years ago. Around 80% of its staff work in Scotland.

The workforce is split 60:40 full time and part time.

Mr Kerr expects Securigroup to maintain its growth rate. "We have built for growth," he said.

The company's board includes people who have held senior roles in the police and the Army.

The chairman, John Malcolm, is a retired assistant chief constable of Strathclyde Police.

Colonel John Kelly MBE, who retired in 2012 as the joint regional liaison officer for Scotland, is a director.

Mr Kerr said after using acquisitions to extend its reach into areas like Fife and Tayside, Securigroup would consider further bolt-on deals.