THE H&H Group has announced annual pre-tax profits of £1.297m for 2013-14 - up 28 per cent on the previous year - based on a total turnover of £14.390m.

Brian Richardson, chief executive, said: "This is a solid set of results in an economy that, whilst improving, is still difficult to predict. Harrison & Hetherington our auctioneering business has performed well and we have again seen high volumes through our seven auction centres.

"Over the last three years we have invested in our sites to ensure that we maintain our leading position in this sector. This commitment to this area of our business has been well received by our customers and I am pleased to advise that further investment is planned in the coming year."

The H&H Group, based at Borderway, Carlisle, has a broad range of businesses and employs 270 staff in the North of England and Scotland.

Its two property businesses performed well with H&H Land and Property seeing a 9.6 per cent increase in turnover and H&H King a seven per cent increase in income.

H&H Insurance saw premium income grow 8.3 per cent. H&H Reeds Printers in Penrith and H&H Auction Rooms both enjoyed increased business.