HAMPSHIRE defence and support services giant VT Group reported an increase in sales, profits and the size of its order book as it readied itself for a complete exit from its traditional shipbuilding focus.

The Hedge End based firm saw profits climb 33 per cent to £60m, while turnover rose 30 per cent to more than £1 billion.

The company’s order book for services increased by 12 per cent to £4.5 billion.

VT is to sell its interest in its shipbuilding joint venture BVT, primarily it’s Portsmouth facility, to fellow Hampshire defence firm BAE.

For full story see Thursday’s Daily Echo