Family-owned Gloucestershire property company, Robert Hitchins Ltd, saw profits more than treble in the year to March 31, 2022.

In its annual report, which has just been published, the firm reported that operating profit hit £36.1 million for the year, up from £10.8 million the previous year.

Turnover for the year also more than trebled - up to £89.3 million from £27.3 million in 2021.

Robert Hitchins is based in Boddington near Cheltenham and specialises in the acquisition and delivery of consented land to housebuilders and in the investment and development of land and properties for the commercial property market.

Jeremy Hitchins, managing director, said: "The company continued to trade successfully, despite the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The planning process has become more protracted, but the company intends to be at the forefront as the economy builds itself out of the downtown.

"Deomand for commercial development has centred around the industrial and ecommerce/ distribution sectors, but the company has continued to be successful in attracting and building out new pre-let retail units both during the year and since year end."

Robert Hitchins employs 49 people, all based at its Boddington headquarters, and is behind the new retail and leisure development by Junction 9 of the M5 in Tewkesbury, home to the new Dobbies Garden Centre.