A COLCHESTER-based specialist care provider is celebrating an 18% increase in revenue over the past year.

A COLCHESTER-based specialist care provider is celebrating an 18% increase in revenue over the past year.

Health and social care provider Care UK plc described its progress as “excellent” after it saw its pre-tax profits rise by 5% to £14.2million, and its revenue go up from £169.2million to £199.4million. Its operating profit went up 8% to £19.5million.

All four divisions of the company - residential , community, specialist and clinical care - saw strong growth. The community care division's revenue grew by 22%, while residential care's increased by 16% and specialist care by 12%.

“The markets that Care UK serves are substantial and the momentum toward greater levels of independent sector participation continues unabated,” said Care UK chairman John Nash.

“Financial pressures within both primary care trusts and local authorities are significant, but by providing better value solutions we expect to make further good progress despite those pressures.

“With a strong base of contracted income and substantial new contracts in the commercial and construction phases we are assured of continued good growth during the short and medium terms.

“Beyond this, the board is confident in the range and scale of opportunity and in Care UK's capability to prosper in a growing market.”