The Scottish arm of construction and property firm Esh Group has delivered a £20 million contribution towards a 43 per cent jump in turnover for the group.

Unveiling a “strong set of financial results” today, Esh Group said its turnover for the year to December 31 2014 reached £277 million while pre-tax profit increased to £9.5m from £3.2m.

The company’s balance sheet stood at £37m with a strong cash position at year end of £32m.

The results were the culmination of a “very busy and exciting year” for Esh Group, during which it acquired Border Construction, now rebranded Esh Border Construction. The deal, which gave the company access to markets in both Cumbria and Scotland, contributed some £20m of turnover increase.

A new office has since been opened in Livingston as the company looks to accelerate growth north of the Border.

The Scottish division, which employs nearly 100 staff, recently completed refurbishment of the clubhouse at Gullane Golf Club in East Lothian ahead of the Scottish Open and was recently appointed contractor on Historic Scotland’s £8.9m Engine Shed project in Forthside, Stirling.

Brian Manning, group chief executive of Esh Group, said: “The significant geographical reach of our diverse range of construction and property businesses, supported by a strong financial base built up by shareholders over a number of years, has been key to Esh Group’s growth.

“Our dedicated employees have been our hard-working foundations and, with their continued support, we remain confident of further success.

“These results show a strong, secure and well-diversified business which is fair to shareholders and contributes to local economies.

“While development has been limited during the last five years, favourable conditions are returning and Esh Group is now prepared to give the green-light to schemes in a controlled manner using our strong cash position to leverage funding.”