ONE of York's biggest employers, which has grown over 50 years to boast operation in seven countries across Europe is hoping to clinch the title of Large Business of the Year in the 25th anniversary Press Business Awards.

The Portakabin Group provides building solutions to customers in the education, healthcare, manufacturing, transport and construction sectors through its modular building designs.

Headquartered in Huntington, and employing a team of 1,7442, the group has increased profitability and turnover in a challenging economic climate, with this year's performance already a year ahead of the group’s five-year plan.

The Portakabin group has achieved the highest possible rating from Dun & Bradstreet for financial stability, putting it in the top 15 per cent of all companies in the UK and Ireland.

Continued expansion across Europe has seen Portakabin open a centre in Luxembourg and expand operations in Toulouse, as well as acquiring German modular building manufacturer Oecon Mobilraum GmbH to complement existing operations in France, Belgium and Holland, with the group now looking to expand into Scandinavia.

Portakabin chief executive Derek Carter said: "The group has a long history of innovation since Donald Shepherd launched Portakabin in 1961 with the world’s first portable building module.

"It continues to innovate to keep its products and services at the forefront of the modular sector and to meet customers’ changing needs.

"It will continue to invest to expand and grow its activities in the UK from its York headquarters and manufacturing centre, through innovation and customer service excellence."

The Portakabin Group has successfully completed 99.7 per cent of projects on time and on budget every year since 2003, exceeding construction industry figures which show only 46 per cent of non-housing projects were completed on time and 75 per cent on cost.

The Portakabin group operates across seven brands, headed by modular building sale and hire operation Portakabin as well as portable toilet and shower operation Portaloo and construction site accommodation provider Konstructa Hire.

In its entry Portakabin has cited the most significant challenges as being related to the economic climate and reductions in public sector expenditure. In response, the group has expanded its product portfolio, such as the launch of new Portaloo products, increased geographic locations and export markets, focused further on the private sector, and introduced strategies to motivate and upskill staff.

Mr Carter said: "The importance of people to the success of the business is key.

"The company’s values are built into the performance review process. Engagement is measured through surveys and supported by proactive employee communications."

Portakabin has seen staff turnover reduced from 7.9 per cent to 3.2 per cent in 12 months, while the number of apprentices has increased to 36, with an additional 20 apprentices to be recruited in 2015.