Bodyshop group Just Car Clinics today reported that its half-year revenue grew by 17% while profit before tax rose 8%.

The business, which is the UK's second largest independent crash repair group, achieved £25.3m sales and £608,000 profit.

On a like-for-like basis sales were up 10%.

David Hickey, chairman, said repair volumes benefited from the snow and ice earlier in the year, leading to the group extending its opening hours to increase capacity.

Alongside its corporate repair contracts, the group is targeting other customers by offering tyre replacement, vehicle maintenance and it is piloting a mobile SMART repair service.

"Whilst not changing the fundamental nature of the business, these initiatives will extend the Just Car Clinics brand and increase the average profitability per vehicle," said Hickey.

Operating costs as a percentage of sales have reduced to 37.3% (2009: 38.4%) during the period.

Cash flow from operating activities continued to be strong at £644,000 (2009: £1,232,000), and net debt remained at approximately £1.3 million.

Hickey added: "The group's strategy continues to be one of expansion, both organically and by expanding the customer offering at existing locations, and by acquisition where stringent criteria are achieved.

"During the last year, we have expanded our network of sites through three acquisitions and a number of potential opportunities are currently being assessed.

"The board believe that Just Car Clinics, with a strong balance sheet and experienced management team, is in a good position to make further progress."