Shares in Synergy Health were up on the FTSE 250 in morning trading after the company reported a rise in revenue and pre-tax profit in the full year ended 3 April.

Group revenue in the period was up 0.3 per cent to £287.3 million, while pre-tax profit jumped 49.7 per cent to £36.7 million.

As a result the group said that it would be raising its full year dividend 20 per cent to 15.84 pence per share.

During the period the company cut its net debt from £133.3 million to £112.3 million and increased the value of its forward order book by 8.2 per cent to £920 million.

The period also saw Synergy Health expand its operations significantly in China, where it won around £1.8 million worth of new contracts and opened a hospital sterilisation facility.

In addition the group predicted that it would not be negatively impacted by austerity measures in Britain.

Richard Steeves, Chief Executive of Synergy Health, commented, "Overall Synergy is in good shape with an internationally diversified business providing high value added services on long term contracts, and a forward order book of nearly £1 billion."

"Our services are mission-critical to our customers, and for this reason the demand for outsourcing is growing. Looking ahead, we expect that rising regulatory and technical standards will continue to underpin demand."

"We expect to see the Group's overall revenue growth rates reach double digits over the next twelve to eighteen months. Higher revenue growth rates, supported by sustainable improved margins and strong cash generation, leave the business well positioned to continue to deliver its earnings objectives. The new financial year has started strongly."

By 09:05 shares in Synergy Health were up 0.97 per cent on the FTSE 250 to 888.50 pence per share.