A GLOBAL engineering consultancy says the outlook is positive after recording bumper figures.

Ricardo, based in Shoreham, saw a record order intake of £413 million, up £47 million compared to the same period last year.

The company also saw a strong performance in Asia and electric vehicle orders.

Other highlights include:

• Record year-end order book at £288 million, up £40 million on June 2017

• Revenue up eight per cent to £380 million

• Profit before tax up two per cent to £39 million.

Dave Shemmans, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In this financial year, Ricardo saw solid revenue growth and an increase in the order book to record year-end levels.

“Our global presence and strategy of sector diversification helped the business to mitigate the continued impact of uncertainty in the UK market.

“Our growing order intake, particularly in Asia, reflects our clients’ continued demand for our high-quality products and services.

“We enter the new financial year with a more agile business and a confident and positive outlook.

“Ricardo’s global capabilities and presence in a number of growing markets, together with its strong order book, all provide a solid foundation for continued growth.”