Listed professional services firm Gateley continued the City's run of upbeat results announcements this morning by reporting strong growth in profit and turnover in the first half. 

In the six months to 31 October, pre-tax profits grew 19.5% to £7.3m on turnover up 23.5% to £62.3m. The figures were helped by growth in the non-legal consultancy business, where revenues grew by 33.9% to £8.3m. The company said the results 'show strong growth and continued trading momentum placing the group in a strong position to deliver market expectations for the full year'. 

It declared an interim dividend of 3p, up from 2.5p this time last year.  

Gateley, which in 2015 became the first law firm to list on the London Stock Exchange in its own right, is continuing to grow by acquisition, taking on quantity surveyors Tozer Gallagher and patent and trade mark attorneys Adamson Jones this year. 'Our acquisition pipeline is strong, and we are actively engaging with opportunities for further growth,' chief executive Rod Waldie said. 

The news lifted shares in Gateley Holdings plc by 4.6% to 227.5p.