COMMERCIAL vehicle hire specialist Northgate continued to expand in the half-year to October 31, 1996 through both acquisitions and organic growth. Northgate helped parent company Goode Durrant post pre tax profits of £15.18 million - up 13% on the same period last year - with turnover up 28% to £70.2 million.

During the period, Northgate acquired Ember Rental and Orchard Self Drive and also opened two new green field locations at Strathclyde and more recently, Bristol, to increase its fleet significantly.