Suttons Group

Turnover and pre-tax profit rose at Suttons Group's UK activities in what was the final financial year overseen by former MD Andrew Palmer.

Palmer  retired on 1 May, and for the financial year ending 30 April, Sutton and Son (St Helens) – the UK division of the multinational operator – saw turnover climb to £66.2m (2011: £63.4m).

Pre-tax profit also rose to £1.58m from £1.37m a year ago.

It is the first year to include a full contribution from its contract with industrial medical gas firm Air Liquide, which it won in a competitive tender from rival Hoyer.

Furthermore, in February Suttons won a contract with Total UK for the distribution of petroleum products

Suttons Group CEO John Sutton said: “We have increased our turnover, margin and operating profit despite challenging conditions. We have also invested significantly in both our UK road tanker and international ISO tank fleets, ensuring our customers continue to receive the highest standards of service in the industry.”

Group turnover in the period was £154.7m (2011: £149m).