Packaging firm MacFarlane Group, with a base on the Waterwells Business Park in Gloucester, has seen its profits leap on the back of the growth in online retail.

The firm, with its headquarters in Glasgow, made pre-tax profits of £18.7 million, up from £12.4 million the previous year, a 50 per cent increase.

Income for the year ended 31st December was £264 million, up from £210 million.

The company benefited from the shift to e-commerce retail and the recovery of industrial sectors affected by the Covid crisis.

Stuart Paterson, chairman of MacFarlane Group, said: "Our results are well ahead of the previous year and better than market expectations. In the face of challenging market conditions our team has shown great commitment and dedication in servicing our customers."