Supply chain group Wincanton said high levels of new business activity had continued in the first quarter.
In a statement for yesterday's annual meeting chairman David Malpas said: "We are encouraged by the progress being made in the current year."
The development pipeline in the UK & Ireland remained strong, he added.
Contract wins and successful renewals were again being seen across all areas of the business.
Mr Malpas said the UK & Ireland remained growth markets and, in Continental Europe, the group was confident progress this year would improve profitability from those operations.
Mr Malpas said there was substantial potential for further organic growth within the portfolio and the group continued to review opportunities to accelerate growth through acquisition. Wincanton has a large presence in the West Midlands including sites at Shrewsbury, Telford, Cannock, Wolverhampton, Aldridge, Tipton, Coventry, Rugby, Hams Hall and Birmingham.
Pretax profit for the year to the end of March rose by 9.5 per cent to £32.3 million, on sales of £1.1 billion, up 9.6 per cent.
Shares closed up 12.5p at 320p.
