Jobs have been lost at waste disposal operators PM Group as bosses prepare for an uncertain 12 months.

The eight positions were all voluntary redundancies and no further job cuts are planned.

The news came yesterday as the Shipley-based group posted a strong set of results following its integration of Pitts Wilson Electrical Limited last year.

Turnover more than doubled from £16.5 million to £33.7 million and operating profit soared from £1.2 million to £3.4 million in the year up until June 30.

Operating margins widened by ten per cent and basic earnings per share rose 212 per cent to 15.8 pence a share.

However despite the vast increases, bosses at the company are taking precautions.

Waste disposal is perceived by many to be a volatile market.

And with many of the PM Group's clients being local authorities, much will rest on the content in November's report on the future of local government finance by Sir Michael Lyons.

Geoff Mountain, chief executive of PM Group, said: "We know we are going to be facing a more difficult year and irrespective of what the stock market says we do not have crystal balls.

"We believe it is going to be very difficult to achieve a mirror image of last year which was exceptional.

"I remain positive about the way our business is developing but the timing of when we will see the financial benefits of our investment in products and technology for the waste management market remains difficult to predict.

"Pitts Wilson Electrical provides a predictable profit stream and positive cashflow which to some extent cushions us from the volatility currently experienced in other parts of our business. In conclusion, after a very successful year, the challenge facing our business will be to grow sales and maintain profitability in our markets. We have taken action to reduce our cost base."

In addition to the redundancies, the firm intends to increase research and development in specific areas to boost profitability.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk