Pre-tax profits rocketed to £1.7 million at construction firm Coniston after a loss of £56,000 a year earlier.

Turnover increased 28% to £34.1 million at the Dartford-based company, which employs about 80 people.

Company secretary Andrew Wildgoose said the construction market remains competitive in his report in the firm’s latest accounts filed for the year to the end of November 2015.

The firm’s workload, forward order book and level of enquiries all remain strong, he said.

“We have continued to secure new clients in the heritage market.”