Better IT and staff commitment have led to profit rise, says chief exec Oliver

Barbon’s profits are up by nearly a quarter compared with last year, according to chief executive Martin Oliver.

EBITDA was up 24% so far in 2010, compared with the same period last year. Organic growth was up 2%.

Oliver explained that a combination of improved IT systems and controls, staff commitment and natural growth had given the company “a really good start to the year”.

Oliver said Barbon brand Cadogan Hanover Park had won three new housing association contracts so far this year.

Looking ahead to the next six months, he said Barbon’s underwriting agency, Zenor, would write new products for residential property. Barbon would also be on the lookout for more sales staff.

Oliver also said the company had invested £500,000 to improve email documentation to customers.