THE Vp group, owners of Climate Hire, report its operating profit has risen dramatically by 44% to £16.5m for the quarter ended March 31 2007.
The £16.5m figure is up from £11.5m reported for 2006.

The equipment rental specialist bought its Cool Customers ac business for £1m in April. Vp bosses say the acquisition, post year-end, is an important development for the Climate Hire business.

Cool Customers hires and sells Climate products including ac units, chillers and cooling equipment. Its 11 employees are based in Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Climate Hire is also the company that provides air conditioning to Channel Four's Big Brother set. The firm's portable ac units are used around the reality tv show's editing suite rooms and other off-screen areas.

In reference to the deal, Climate Hire said 'It's not our fault if things in the house get heated, we're only responsible for cooling the crew!'

The record result we are reporting reflects the underlying strength of the markets served by the group and the success of our strategy in translating opportunities into profitable growth', said Vp chairman Jeremy Pilkington.

'The outlook remains positive and we are confident that the group can deliver sustainable growth over the medium term.'