CLARKE ENERGY is planning to break its own records again this year after winning the backing of private equity giant ECI Partners.

The Knowsley group reported turnover for the year to October of £208m – up from £201m the previous year. Its latest accounts, newly filed at Companies House, show that helped pre-tax profits rise 38%, from £11.3m to £15.7m.

Clarke Energy specialises in the engineering, installation and maintenance of gas-fuelled combined heat and power plants.

It has provided Jenbacher gas engines, made by GE to some of the UK’s most high-profile building projects, including the building of The Shard.  Clarke also operates in overseas territories from Ireland to New Zealand, and recently expanded into Tanzania.

In August, London-based ECI Partners announced it was taking a minority stake in the company to support its global  growth.

Introducing the group’s accounts, chairman Jim Clarke said: “The world economy continues to be depressed and the fact that our business continues to grow is testament to the benefits of our strategy for geographical diversification and building long-term customer relationships.

“The existing management team all remains unchanged and we are delighted to have the financial support of ECI to help us continue our record of growth.

“We continue to look to the future with confidence and expect next year to once again be a record year for Clarke Energy.”

The company said the pace of its growth would be affected by global government energy policies.

It said: “At present, the renewable energy and waste industries are receiving a great deal of Government and public attention across the world.

“However, Government policy and incentives to support these industries vary significantly from country to country and are changing on a frequent basis.

“It is our view that changes in Government policy are likely to improve the potential for our products but the timing of any changes and the level of any incentives are very uncertain.”