But UK firm plans to counter public spending cuts with refocus on civils work

BAM's construction division recorded its highest ever turnover in 2009, but the UK company said it would focus on civil engineering work as public spending cuts take hold.

BAM UK, which includes BAM Construct UK, civil engineering firm BAM Nuttall and BAM PPP, posted turnover of 拢1.8bn (against 拢1.75bn in 2008) and a pre-tax profit of 拢49m (2008: 拢94m). But the group is bracing itself for public spending cuts.

A BAM UK statement said: 鈥淭he board is very aware of the changes in the economic climate and the effect that a restraint in public expenditure will have on the construction industry over the next few years.

鈥淥ur strategy is to remain focused on maintaining a strong regional presence, supported by work from specific sectors. Rail, highways, waste and energy markets will remain our primary focus.鈥

Graham Cash
BAM Construct UK's Graham Cash: 鈥淣o one expects 2011 to be an easy year"

BAM Construct UK posted turnover of 拢1.1bn (2008: 拢1bn) and a pre-tax profit of 拢30m (2008: 拢52m). Highlights included winning the Milton Keynes national rail centre contract and being selected as preferred bidder for Somerset's 黑洞社区 Schools for the Future programme. It also completed Webb House offices in Camden.

Graham Cash, chief executive of BAM Construct UK, said: 鈥淣o one expects 2011 to be an easy year. Our strategy will be to continue to enhance our expertise and delivery, to perform well on all our frameworks and to encourage our private sector clients back to the market.鈥

The group's civils division, BAM Nuttall, recorded a turnover of 拢644m (2008: 拢650m) and a pre-tax profit of 拢24m (拢28m), while its forward order book at 31 December was 拢715m.

It has picked up a string of major deals in recent months, including a 拢700m contract to redevelop Victoria Underground station and a 拢500m deal to redevelop Tottenham Court Road station, both in a joint venture with Vinci division Taylor Woodrow. It also secured a 拢190m contract to redevelop rail links between Birmingham and London for Chiltern Railways.