Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) has reported income last year of £116.8m, its highest-ever revenue and more than double the figure of five years ago of £57.5m.

According to CRI’s chair, David Gregson: “The consolidated income for 2014 represents a 17 per cent growth in activity” on the previous year. “We believe this growth in income reflects our commissioners’ confidence in our ability to provide safe and effective services in the current economic environment.”

The growth includes the implementation of £9m of contracts secured in 2012/13, and the retention of 79 per cent of existing contracts that were recommissioned during the year.

“We ended the year with assets of £16.9m - a robust financial position, having managed to both grow the business and maintain strong financial discipline,” said Gregson in the report.

In 2012, the charity merged with Sova, a 35-year-old charity that works in local communities to help people steer clear of crime by providing opportunities for personal development.

In its second year as a member of the group Sova brought in £4.1m – up from £1.3m in 2012-13 - and doubled its contribution to CRI’s consolidated net assets, from £32,000 to £63,000, according to the 2014 annual report.

But there was also a marked increase in expenditure for the year 2013/14 with an overall increase of 17.9 per cent to £115.1m (up from £97.6m the previous year).

The charity saw a pronounced contrast in inflow and outflow net cash from operating activities compared to the previous year. Whereas 2013 saw an inflow of £5.6m, 2014 in contrast saw an outflow of £1.9m. This was due in part to an investment into its information technology capabilities - capitalising £2.5m of investment by the year-end following the trustees’ approval of a £4m programme.

The charity also invested in three new management divisions to improve service delivery; a restructure of the existing medical services division; the formation of eight new regional business areas, and the development of peer mentor services to help people find a route into employment.

CRI's chief executive David Biddle spoke to Tania Mason about CRI's expansion earlier this year. Click here to read what he said.