AN ENGINEERING consulting group based in Maidstone has landed a four-year government deal. Weeks Consulting, of Newnham Court, Bearsted, has been awarded a design commission by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The deal covers 68 DEFRA sites across the South East, the South West and Wales. It involves project management, structural engineering, building surveying, planning and site supervision.

Weeks Plc turnover rose 12.6 per cent to £19.5m in the past 12 months. Pre-tax profits went up nearly 20 per cent to £1.35m. Company chairman John Low, who succeeded company founder Dr Alan Weeks following his retirement on health grounds, said it has been a year of considerable change.

In recent months Weeks acquired a number of businesses, including Ryton Testing Services in Newcastle. Mr Low said: "The prospects for the company remain good and we are well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in construction, environmental and a variety of other business sectors."