Irish transport group Independent Express has reported a 15 per cent jump in new business in the first quarter of 2010, while turnover from existing business has risen by 8 per cent.

The group’s two subsidiaries, The Pallet Network and Independent Express Cargo, reported a combined turnover of €14.6 million for 2009, compared to €16 million a year earlier.

The group did not disclose profitability figures, but chairman Owen Cooke said that profits were down about 40 per cent in 2009. The group employs 50 people in Blanchardstown in Dublin.