A construction firm is bucking the trend and celebrating a bumper start to 2013.
Halsall Construction, in Peasedown St John, has seen its turnover treble during the first month of the year.
In 2012 the company's average monthly turnover was £1 million but in January this went up three fold to £3.4 million.
Managing director Andy Corp said the reason for the increase was because of a number of new contracts the company had secured with Colston School in Bristol and the Façade Hoists factory in Radstock.
Mr Corp said: "We are really pleased with the results, particularly as we anticipate positive outcome on planning decisions on three projects which will see us enter the next financial year with 70 per cent of our forecast order book of £19 million achieved.
"With the difficult economic environment we are all facing it is pleasing to see that our strategy of growing and servicing our existing customers exceptionally well, while expanding our capability is proving successful.
"It is also important to note the efforts from the Halsall and extended external teams that ensure we are able to deliver an integrated approach with predictable outcomes."