Pre-tax profits also increased, rising from £2m to £2.8m.

This strong financial performance comes as the company’s planned acquisition by global food services giant Aramark faces uncertainty. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation and issued an initial enforcement order, temporarily halting the integration of the businesses while it assesses potential impacts on market competition.

Despite the takeover probe and challenging market conditions, founder Peter Bruce hailed it as “another successful year”. Growth was partly driven by expansion in the marine and renewables sectors, which compensated for the non-renewal of a significant North Sea contract.

Entier, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Westhill, continues to operate globally. While employee numbers slightly decreased from 697 to 689, the company’s wage bill rose to £40.8m from £38.5m. Its luxury catering arm, Wild Thyme, acquired in 2016, also experienced growth and holds contracts for prestigious venues like Glamis Castle.