Support services group seeks further expansion after it reveals 17% growth in turnover from Β£800m to Β£936m.

Support services group Mitie has predicted further acquisitions after revealing a 17% hike in turnover in the last year.

A series of acquisitions in the past year in the security and grounds maintenance sectors pushed the group's revenues to Β£936m in the year ending 31 March, up from Β£800m the previous year.

Pre-tax profit for the firm, which employs more than 39,000 staff, rose 5.4% to Β£50.5m, up from Β£47.9m a year earlier.

Chief executive Ian Stewart described the year as "exceptional" and said:: "We will seek to grow further organically and will make acquisitions within our chosen markets when appropriate opportunities arise."