Portakabin, the York-headquartered group which manufactures modular buildings, has reported an increase in revenue and pre-tax profit, following investment in the UK and Europe.

Its parent organisation, Shepherd Building Group, which can trace its history back to 1890 and employs over 1,700 people, recorded total revenue of £320.5m for the year ending 31 December 2018, an increase from £298.1m in 2017.

The group also saw pre-tax profit rise to £56.2m from £50.9m the previous year.

The group stated that growth had come primarily from Portakabin's hire businesses across the UK and Europe.

Portakabin is planning further investment in fleet and infrastructure to enable it to build on its pan European growth.

Chairman David Williams said: "Following the emergence of the strategy adopted for the restructure and the subsequent streamlining of its businesses, Shepherd Building Group welcomes the translation of this strategy into improved profitability.

"The results for Portakabin in 2018 reflect the continued investment made across the UK and continental Europe and our tireless commitment to deliver on time and to budget for our customers.

"I'm delighted to say that the growth opportunities available in Europe and the continued success of our business here in the UK has led to increased profits of £56m in 2018.

"Looking to the future, we will continue our pan-European growth plan with further investment in our brand, new products and business infrastructure."