Pandemic takes its toll but steelwork contractor boasts strong order book
The country鈥檚 second biggest steelwork contractor William Hare saw pre-tax profit dive 55% last year because of increased costs associated with the pandemic.
Pre-tax profit fell to 拢3.6m in 2020, down from 拢5.3m the previous year.
Turnover was 拢191m, a fall of 6% from 拢203m in 2019.
But the company views the latest figures as a blip, saying in its accounts it is confident about future workloads.
It said: 鈥淭he order book position is extremely strong at the balance sheet date, and the directors note that there have been further awards of contracts in 2021 to date.
鈥淭he directors continue to monitor the covid-19 pandemic, however, it is encouraging to note that quality projects continue to come to market and the pipeline of opportunities remains healthy which reflects the group鈥檚 standing in the UK and world markets.鈥�
The firm, which is working on architect OMA鈥檚 Factory arts complex (pictured) in Manchester being built by Laing O鈥橰ourke, employed over 1,750 people last year, nearly 750 in the UK and over 1,000 elsewhere.
Last year, the then chief executive of the Bury-based steelwork firm died after contracting coronavirus.
The death of David Hodgkiss (pictured), 71, was announced in March by Lancashire country cricket club where he had been the chairman for the past three years.
He has since been replaced by his sister Susan Hodgkiss who is now both chief executive and chair.
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