Pre-tax profits increased at a nuclear waste management company which heats one of the county’s largest business parks.

Augean revealed a 29% increase in its bottom line before tax to £3.1 million in the first half of the year, while revenues grew 27% to £31.3 million.

The company employs about 25 people at its base in Sandwich, which has an eco-friendly incinerator which recaptures energy from waste and uses it to heat or cool Discovery Park near the town.

The site has also been granted a permit variation to receive low level radioactive waste as part of its waste treatment services.

The company, which is headquartered in Wetherby, said the strong performance of the energy and construction sectors had increased volumes of contaminated soil.

As a result earnings before costs like interest and tax increased by 24% to £5.8 million, giving shareholders a 22% increase in earnings per share to 2.3p.

Its radioactive waste services performed in line with expectations and the company said work underway to improve the performance of its industry and infrastructure divisions after a disappointing first half of the year.

It predicted its full year performance to be in line with management expectations.

Chief executive Dr Stewart Davies said: “I am pleased with the group’s performance in the first half of the year, where we delivered double digit growth in group revenue and pre-tax profit.

“The group enjoyed strong cash flow generation and remains well placed to take advantage of medium term investment opportunities that accelerate the strategy and are value enhancing for shareholders.”