Beginning in January, the ‘Afternoon Tea with CGC’ project will encourage Scottish housing associations and housing co-operatives to apply for funding from CGC to host their own traditional afternoon teas – aimed at providing companionship for those in later life.

Managing director Leo Reilly said the project is in keeping with CGC’s strong commitment to social justice.

He said: “We remain committed to our social justice principles of helping communities where we can in innovative and worthwhile ways. Major business like ourselves must clearly understand the need to use our profitability to give something back.”

The announcement came as CGC revealed it is on track to surpass £14 million in turnover in 2016.

The firm said the record turnover figure had been boosted by winning a large number of contracts south of the border, with more in the pipeline after opening its inaugural English base in Preston.

Since the spring, the 13 year old business has taken on over 20 staff boosting the number to 123.

CGC has also given an undertaking that it is “100 per cent” committed to its apprenticeship programme to give young women and men a helping hand onto the employment ladder.

Currently there are eight apprentices with the firm – two of whom are adult apprentices in their 20s and 40s. Most remain with CGC on completion of their apprenticeships.

Leo Reilly added: “This has been a remarkable year for the business – much of this can be attributed to the commitment and hard work of our staff. Of great significance has been the contracts won south of the border in addition to our widespread activity in Scotland.

“We have won many orders across the United Kingdom thanks to a combination of good value, performance and our hard-won reputation.”

Commenting on its biggest-ever recruitment drive, CGC contracts director, Ronnie McDowell, said: “We are looking to recruit many roles across all trades including metalworkers. This will be an ongoing process over the months ahead as we seek to put the right people in place to fulfill our contracts.”