Substantial growth in the Gulf sees yearly pre-tax profit jump to £91.9m

Engineering consultant Atkins has reported a 31% rise in pre-tax profit in its full-year results, boosted by growth in the Middle East.

Atkins solar test rig in the Middle East
Atkins solar test rig in the Middle East

The company posted pre-tax profit of £91.9m for the year to 31 March, up from £70.1m in 2007. Revenue rose 11% to £1,313.6m.

Operating profit was £86.7m, up 28% from £67.7m last year.

Atkins said operating margins had jumped from 5.7% to 6.6% and that it expected further improvements in the coming year.

Group performance was boosted by substantial growth in the Middle East, where revenue rose by more than 40% on last year.

The group said: “While there is of course uncertainty about the future direction of some of the economies in which we operate, we have not seen any sign of reduction in activity.â€

It added: “Our markets remain strong and as the group continues to improve its services we are confident that the Group will achieve further good progress in the year ahead.â€

Revenue in its rail division slipped slightly, partly due to changes at Metronet, the group said.