Social housing group Mears has today reported a 25 per cent rise in first-half profits.

Profit before tax arose to £8.7million in the six months ended 30 June from £6.9million a year ago on turnover 48.5 per cent higher at £203.3million.

The group boasted a record £1.7 billion order book after winning £430 million of new work so far this year, and said it was "in good shape to achieve further growth".

Gloucester-based Mears said the local authorities and housing associations which account for 80 per cent of its revenues were "substantially immune" from bad debts.

The social housing division reported growth of 39 per cent, including organic growth of 34 per cent.

Bob Holt, chairman of Mears Group, said:

“Mears has continued to grow across all its operations during 2008 and the Group’s forward order book is at record levels with a very healthy new business pipeline.

“This strong performance has been achieved in line with our strategy to build longer term partnerships providing support to social housing providers and expanding the capability of our Domiciliary Care operations across the UK to support a greater number of local authorities with the provision of personal care services to people in their own homes.

“Mears is in good shape to achieve further growth across all areas of business.“

Mears has been a player in social housing maintenance for several years but moved into the domiciliary care market - providing home care for the elderly - in April 2007 with its acquisition of Careforce.