Leading environmental consultancy RPS Group has unveiled a leap in its fortunes.

Pre-tax profits for the firm, based at Milton Park, Abingdon, leapt 41 per cent to £13.95m for the year ended December 31, 2001, while cash balances rose to £36.4m from £8.9m the previous year.

Chairman Brook Land said the company had enjoyed an increase in the level of orders from water supply companies. Strong demand also came from the nuclear and defence sectors for its safety consultancy services.