Waste disposal specialists PM Group plc has benefited from Government legislation brought in to increase recycling levels throughout the UK.

The Shipley-based company saw turnover rise by more than £3 million in the six-month period ending on December 31, 2005 to £19.6 million.

Pre-tax profits also rose to £2.1 million during the same period with the share dividend reaching 1.7p.

Chief executive Geoff Mountain said a key factor in the firm's success had been the acquisition of electrical installation specialists, Pitts Wilson Electrical Limited (PWE), and increase of recycling schemes throughout the UK which used PM's own specialist weighing technology.

Founded in 1985, as PM Electronics, the group is a leader in the design, manufacture and service of onboard vehicle weighing systems and software for the haulage and waste management industries.

Major clients include Bifa, Morrisons and Calor Gas.

PM Group plc employs around 350 people in the Bradford district, at sites on Wakefield Road, Bowling Road and Canal Road.

Mr Mountain said: "The results primarily reflect the acquisition and consolidation of Pitts Wilson Electrical Limited, the legislative drivers on recycling and a lot of hard work by all our staff."

PM announced in October last year that it had been chosen by Leeds City Council to assist with its DEFRA supported waste and recycling scheme and is also working with around 200 local authorities throughout the UK.

Mr Mountain added: "We are also very confident about this year's results. We are benefiting from the introduction of new technology and the changes in the waste market."

PM Group plc non-executive chairman, Ken Jackson, said: "On July 4, 2005 the Group acquired Pitts Wilson Electrical Limited and the strong cash flow generated by this business has resulted in the group enjoying positive net cash balances at the period end.

"Environmental pressures and political influence from Europe continue to

grow creating a demand for the implementation of incentivised waste recycling schemes. "