AS Scaffolding, the Glasgow-based group owned by Labour Party backer Andrew Smillie, held pre-tax profits at £2m last year on unchanged turnover of £10m. Shareholder funds jumped from £4.6m to £6m, and employee numbers rose from 65 to 69. The company, based in Glenpark Street and seen as one of Scotland's biggest independents, donated over £76,000 to local charities during the year. Writing in the latest accounts Mr Smillie, 62, says the gross margin reduced by around three per cent but this was offset by close control of administration costs and overheads. The company had benefited from its solid reputation and from government-backed schemes such as the green deal. He says the company "has no borrowings and is very liquid" - with cash down from £2.8m to £2.5m - and the directors are confident that it continues to perform well during the current year.
