A reliance on agency staff and hire vehicles at CS Ellis to meet an increase in work dented the operator's annual profit, newly published accounts show.

The Rutland operator's core transport operation, which contributes the lion's share of the group's revenue, saw a surge in activity with turnover up 19% to £11m for the year ending 30 June 2015.

The company said it serviced this quick rise in business with agency staff and extra vehicles, which had a knock-on effect on its results.

This, and “some changes at the senior management level” led to a pre-tax loss of £187,952 during the period, down from a profit of £112,383 the year before.

However, it added: “Whilst a loss has been recorded in CS Ellis (Group) the directors are keen to note that overall the CS Ellis (Holdings) Group has been profitable.

“The board are satisfied that these issues have since been resolved and have seen the company return to profitable trading by reference to post year-end management information.”

Results for the Holdings group, whose subsidiaries include CS Ellis (Group), Versatile Venues, Pacwolf Fulfilment and CS Ellis (Leisure) show turnover up 8.4% to £14.67m during the period and a pre-tax profit of£178,874 (2014: £528,755).

MD Charles Ellis was approached for comment.

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