CONSTRUCTION group Harrison Developments has substantial funds available to secure further opportunities in the North-East, following a record year.

Pre-tax profits for the year to last December rose to £2.74m, reflecting the success of the group's focus on the growth of its development business while maintaining its successful construction arm.

The delay in the implementation of a number of development projects, to accommodate clients' schedules, and the impact in the housing sector of changes in planning policy, have both affected the Malton-based group's turnover.

However, a positive effect of the delays is the healthy order book for the coming year, which gives added justification for Harrison's optimistic forecasts for the future.

Turnover reduced from £25m in 1999 to £22.5m. The group's bank balance, however, stood at a record £5.4m.

Chairman Martyn Harrison, said: "Harrison's success is attributable to a number of factors.

"The performance of our construction company continues to encourage clients to place repeat business with us.

"Across both our development and construction companies, our partnering approach has seen us working with significant, high profile blue-chip companies, in the retail, financial services, housing and commercial sectors."

He added: "One such agreement is the decision of Home Housing Association to enter into a partnering agreement with us for the Yorkshire and Humberside region."

This year, Harrison Developments is scheduled to build a new headquarters for the Scarborough Building Society and, in York, new offices for Norwich Union, and a new administrative centre for Card Protection Plan.

Mr Harrison said: "The group's performance in 2000 has provided the ideal platform for continued profitable growth."

Looking ahead, he said: "We continue to seek opportunities to extend our partnership approach, eager to enter into strategic joint ventures with other development partners where the relationship will prove mutually beneficial.

"That we are already committed in 2001 to working with housebuilders Barratt and Keyland Developoments, among others, is testimony to the success of our approach.

"To achieve continued profitable growth in the year ahead, we will not lose sight of our core philosophy - that only by delivering beyond the expectations of our clients, will we continue to thrive.