DARWEN ‘smart metering’ firm Bglobal has announced another bumper deal — but warned its profits may be hit by the cold snap.

The Commercial Road-based business, which installs energy-saving meters, has clinched a £12million contract with British Gas to provide new data services. The firm has also signed a deal with Dual Energy Direct Limited.

However, despite celebrating the deals, Bglobal bosses have warned that profits this year may be lower than anticipated due to the cold weather in December and last month.

They said it meant engineers struggled to get out and install the meters in schools, council buildings and businesses.

Chief executive Tony Barnes said: “We have seen a rapid bounce back in the daily installation rate following the disruption by the big freeze.

"Our new contracts and the move to a fixed programme of meter installations in the year ahead with British Gas underpins our forward order book.”