A CONSTRUCTION and development company which has outgrown the village that gave it its name has had another exceptional year.

The Esh Group saw turnover increase for the 13th consecutive year and enjoyed a rise in profits.

The company had to leave its native Esh Winning for premises in Bowburn, both in County Durham, earlier this year due to its continuing success.

Group turnover was £48.4m, an increase of 12.3 per cent on 2001 and gross profit before tax was £4.8m, an increase of 77 per cent.

The margin of profit has increased from 6.3 per cent in 2001 to 9.9 per cent in 2002.

Brian Manning, group managing director, said: "The quality financial results which have been achieved this year reflect the solid nature of our business and our continuing focus on ever raising our standards.

"We have continued to deliver high quality work and client service in an active, competitive market.

"During the year we have had opportunities to bid for increasingly technical and high profile projects. This is pleasing and confirms that we are recognised as one of the most respected construction and development companies in the region."

By the end of next month, the group will have transfered all operations to the Bowburn site, which includes a head office, fitting shop, fabrication shop, plant yard, workshops and stores.

The company enjoys a strong sense of ownership among its workforce, with about half of employees taking part in the Staff Share Ownership Scheme.