Weeks Group, the engineering consultancy, managed to lift profits by 32% as a result of building its existing business and the successful acquisition of Taurus Design. For the six months to 30 September, turnover rose to £8.6m (£7.9m) with pre-tax profits increased to £625,000 (£476,000). Weeks benefited from recent adverse weather conditions and ground failures, which provided additional work for the group. Taurus Design, the May acquisition, 'integrated well with our existing services' according to chairman Dr Alan Weeks and provided opportunities for service development with clients in the housebuilding sector. Additional legislation arising from environmental concerns 'will provide further demand for our services' according to Weeks, and 'exciting opportunities exist' for the consulting and laboratory businesses. Earnings per share rose to 0.29p (0.22p).