The rise in profits to £2.59 million in the year to last September was achieved on turnover of £65.1m, The Herald has reported.

The group last spring posted record turnover of £73.9m for the prior financial year to September 2015.

Chairman and owner Gerry Atkinson said the period had seen haulage-related profits come under pressure because of driver shortages and significant cost increases, particularly for shipping.

He noted action was being taken to address this “problem”, and highlighted increased investment to maintain Maxi’s modern fleet and create additional trailer capacity.

Mr Atkinson said: “With the continued great help, loyalty and support of our customers, clients, design teams, staff, sub-contractors and suppliers, we have achieved another good year.”

He added: “The industry is entering a difficult period for which we are well prepared, and this will create opportunities for our specialist skills.”

Maxi Construction continued to be “competitive in the market”, while “still strictly following a policy of not taking uneconomic work”, he said, with new contract awards running through to 2018. He noted project wins had included the refurbishment of Grade A-listed Panmure House for Edinburgh Business School.

Mr Atkinson said: “For the next period, we expect further growth of the haulage division, and an increase in turnover in the construction division to get back to previous levels, with divisions remaining profitable but in challenging times.”

Maxi employs 338 people in its haulage business, which has a fleet of more than 600 trailers operating in the UK and Ireland and achieved a 58 per cent rise in annual pre-tax profits to £2.29 million. The group employs 33 people in its construction business. Mr Atkinson noted 60 of Maxi’s employees had more than 10 years’ service.