The results, in line with expectations, followed strong growth in the Middle East.

Operating margins rose to 6.6% from 5.7% while operating profit surged 28% to £86.7m. Sales for the year ended 31 March 2008 rose 11% to £1.3bn.

The group said it is confident of achieving further good progress in the year ahead.

Its Middle East business saw revenue growth of more than 40% on the prior year.