YORK-based Portakabin has hailed 2016 a “year of continued growth” as the globally operating portable building specialist reports rising revenues and profits.

Filing its results for the year ending December 31, 2016, the Huntington-headquartered firm said growth had come from both the sales and hire side of the business, particularly in England, Ireland and Germany.

During the period Portakabin achieved annualised increases in both turnover and operating profit, which rose 24 per cent and 20 per cent respectively to sales of £300 million resulting in pre-tax profits of £38.2 million.

Derek Carter, chief executive at Portakabin said; “The results for 2016 reflect continued investment across the UK and continental Europe and our relentless commitment to deliver on time and to budget.

“Looking forward, Portakabin is well placed to continue its pan European growth with further investment in new products and infrastructure.”

The company said the most significant risks it faces going forward surrounds “general performance of the economy and the consequent potential reduction in public spending”.

In a strategic report, accompanying the firm’s full year accounts, Portakabin said: “During the year Portakabin has continued to reduce its exposure to individual markets and economies through expanding its product portfolio, increasing the overall business volumes across the geographic locations in which it operates and focusing further on the private sector.

“Portakabin is well placed to continue its pan European growth. Controlled growth is expected to come from both the hire and sales areas of the business with particular focus on growing the European market.”

In its report the company pays tribute to its employees, stating they are the “key to its success in the market place” and as such has continued to focus on their development during the period.

In total 35 per cent of all vacancies during the year were filled internally which the firm says positively reflects how Portakabin has invested in developing and retaining its people.

Through the growth of its training programmes during 2016 Portakabin now employs 45 apprentices, 10 trainees and three graduate placement staff.

In 2016 the business donated to 63 local and national charities, while 250 of its staff volunteered more than 1,500 hours and engaged with 42 different schools to inspire young people into the world of work.

Portakabin also reported that its principal manufacturing site in York has achieved zero waste to landfill status and a number of national recycling awards.