Private contractor Willmott Dixon has unveiled a pre-tax profit of 拢2.3m for the first half of 2003, nearly double the 拢1.2m it made in the same period last year.
This was achieved by an improvement in productivity 鈥� turnover rose only 拢5m to 拢158m. The results follow a restructuring earlier this year, which included the merger of the firm's five support services businesses.

Chairman Rick Willmott said: "The shifts we implemented are expected to deliver improvements well ahead of 2002's record results."

Last year the company made a pre-tax profit of 拢4.8m, a rise of 12.7% on the previous 12 months.

Willmott Dixon also announced the launch of a residential development business, Widacre Homes, that will work with registered social landlords.

It is said to be in "advanced negotiations" with RSLs clients to share development risk and provide funding.