Environmental services provider Fountains, steered by chairman Barry Gamble, delighted followers with a strong year to September and another dividend increase - the total payout for the year was lifted 12% to 2.77p, covered three times by earnings. All of this was made possible as pre-tax profits grew 17% to £1.2m on improved turnover of £35.6m (£34.5m). Gamble also reported £2m of operating cashflow and zero borrowings at the year-end. Top line growth reflected a 6% rise in utilities and grounds maintenance business, and a 25% hike from forestry services, a sector that has witnessed something of a revival recently. Utility services and grounds maintenance is the area Gamble is most keen to expand and during the year Fountains carried out off-track services for the UK rail network with clearing and maintenance on '1,000 route miles'. The group also closed or renegotiated certain underperforming deals in line with its very selective approach to the business it undertakes. At the period end, the company had an order book worth about £70m, stretching through to 2007. If you're in, stay in. Hold.