One of the West's business success stories Mitie announced profits up yesterday and believes the downturn is an opportunity for it to grow even further.

The Bristol facilities management company, which won the 2008 Western Daily Press Business of the Year, announced pre-tax profits up 12 per cent to £37.6 million on revenue growth of 11.5 per cent to £760.7m for the six months to September 30.

Mitie, which does everything from maintaining and cleaning buildings to landscaping and catering, believes its energy teams – which install and maintain heating and electrical works – will continue to be in high demand from clients looking for the most efficient systems to keep fuel bills down.

Incentives for companies to install renewable energy systems are also driving business for Mitie, which has partnerships with micro-wind turbine manufacturers Quiet Revolution and Proven Energy.

Customers looking to harness the environmental and financial benefits of wind power include celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, for whom Mitie has installed a Proven turbine at River Cottage near Bridport in Dorset.

The engineering maintenance division, which includes energy systems, enjoyed first-half revenue growth of almost 60 per cent to £82.5m, while turnover for Mitie's catering services went up by over 70 per cent to £17m.

Finance director Suzanne Baxter said: "Larger corporate and public sector clients are starting to think about the through-life costs of energy systems.

"They are looking at replacement of plant in order to reduce maintenance and running costs going forward. They are also trying to reduce emissions because legislation and the rise in fuel prices is making people think about their carbon footprints."

Chief executive Ruby McGregor-Smith said: "MITIE has delivered another set of strong results and has extended its track record of growth. We have a strong balance sheet, are highly cash generative and have low gearing. This will enable us to continue to take advantage of value creating opportunities and to grow our business in the future."