T Clarke’s figures for the year to 31 December 2008 show group turnover up 15.4% to £223.7m (2007: £193.8m) and profit before tax up 64% to £13.4m (2007: £8.2m)

However, the company warned that 2009 would be “more modest”. The group’s order book stood at £160m at year end, compared with £215m a year earlier; a fall of 34%.

Pat Stanborough, chief executive, said: "Last year was an excellent year for T Clarke and I am very pleased with the group's performance. While market conditions remain challenging and visibility on future workload is more limited now than it has been for some time, we continue to further diversify our business both in terms of sector and geography, so that we are not overly dependent on any one sector.

“We anticipate 2009 revenues to be at more modest levels. However, our reputation for quality service and our strong balance sheet should position us well to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.”

M&E firm Skerritt has appointed Martyn Horton as chief executive officer.

Horton was managing director at Powerminster Gleeson Services. While there he turned the Sheffield-based company from a loss-making m&e firm into a major installation and property maintenance contractor.

Skerritt has increased its turnover from £28m to over £50m in just two years.