TAYBURN, the Edinburgh-based brand agency, has recorded its turned in its best financial performance in a decade, buoyed by growing business outside Scotland.

The firm, whose clients include Standard Life, Crosse & Blackwell, Heineken and Toshiba, hiked gross income by 11 per cent to £2.7 million in the period from April 1 2014, to March 31.

The agency highlighted its growing presence south of the Border, notably in the north-west, south-east and in London, with 60 per cent of gross income now generated in Scotland.

However it insisted that Scotland remains a vital market, noting that it had won new clients in the shape of The Caledonian Brewery and Axcess Financial over the period.

Tayburn, which began trading in 1979, said gross income offers a more accurate measure of its performance than turnover. That remained steady at £3.1m, which the agency said reflected its continuing shift into brand consultancy and digital communications briefs.

The company increased its headcount by two, to 39, over the period

Managing director Simon Farrell said: "Tayburn turned 36 in March and this past financial year has been one of the most significant in our long, proud history.

"Not only have we launched our new proposition to help ambitious businesses grow by creating remarkable brand journeys, we have implemented a number of transformative process that have contributed to this growth.

"We have bolstered the team with a number of internal promotions and a series of key external hires, so amidst all this change to have posted a strong financial performance is a remarkable achievement. The year ahead looks very encouraging."