KNOWSLEY infrastructure services business MJ Quinn sought to plan for the future during a year that resulted in a pre-tax loss of £82,500.

The firm, which works on rail, underground and infrastructure projects, increased its turnover by 10% to £30m in the year to May 31, 2009.

Its loss was a £130,000 reversal, after its small profit in 2008.

It was happy that, despite the “difficult trading position” it faced in the last year, there were parts of the business “showing real growth”.

In its annual report, the company said: “It was a year of greater development in all areas. Our original aim was to spread our expertise across the many disciplines that cover the mechanical and electrical spectrum, and we believe we accelerated that process in 2009.

“This was helped by our long-term strategy of expanding our client base in specific areas and concentrating on more framework and maintenance contracts.

“Rail, the London Underground and Infrastructure business continued to grow in the year and has set us on a firmer footing for the coming years with clearer visibility.

“It was for all a difficult year, but we believe our diversity and flexibility to adapt has brought us through and enhanced our reputation with new and existing clients, and bodes well for the future.”

It is looking to continue to grow its presence within its core markets.

It added: “There are several areas of our business which are showing real growth going forward.

“The business objective is to increase into new areas or capitalise on any potential new developments to add to our existing base of rail, underground, infrastructure, public and commercial works which will provide the company with a greater presence in the diversified mechanical and electrical services sector.”

ALEX TURNER