LANCASHIRE firms are some of the best performing in the country according to a survey out today.

Operating profits from owner-managed business in the Lancs and Cumbria region soared by 25 per cent over the previous year compared with a 16.2 increase across the North West as a whole.

Better cost controls, investment and technological innovation are behind the increase according to accountants KPMG who conducted the survey.

Turnover rose by 11 per cent among firms and profit margins were 5.4 per cent compared with the UK average of 4.5 per cent.

"The results reflect an excellent performance by Lancashire and Cumbrian companies in a highly competitive marketplace," said Jonathan Hurst, head of OMB service at KPMG's Lancashire office.

"Overall the statistics conclusively prove just how important a vibrant OMB sector is to the North West in employment terms."

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