星空传媒

Speaking after Rok announced strong results for the six months to 30 June 2008, Snook said the division鈥檚 拢400m turnover would be cut by 50% as the group curbed its tendered contracting operation and sought more framework deals. Up to 200 staff will be relocated as part of the move.

In a further repositioning, he said the company would close its commercial development arm, which fell 拢2.7m into the red over the period.

Snook said: 鈥淗alf of the 拢200m shortfall will be recovered by switching staff and resources into social housing and the other half will come from increased revenues in the repair and maintenance business.鈥�

Over the half-year, turnover at Rok increased 22% from 拢10.2m to 拢12.4m on the back of a 37% jump in turnover from 拢399m to 拢547m.

New build turnover was up 26% from 拢228.7m to 拢288.1m while planned repairs and maintenance rose 55% from 拢128.2m to 拢198.9m. Response maintenance increased 42% from 拢41.9m to 拢59.7m.

The group said it would look to make further acquisitions but Snook hinted that the days of big deals may be over. He said: 鈥淭here鈥檒l be fewer and fewer larger deals; we now have 63 branches with quite a good geographical spread.

Over the next few years you鈥檒l see us extend our plumbing, heating and electrical services.鈥�