INBRIEF

accounting errors

Shares in Richards, the building support services and contracting company, were suspended this week after the company failed to announce its results within the required six months of the year end. The delay has been caused by the discovery of accounting errors, which will lead to Richards reporting a substantial loss.

loses up by 44%

Westminster Scaffolding is proposing a company voluntary arrangement following a 44% increase in pre-tax losses in 1995. The company expects to settle all secured, preferential and unsecured trade creditors in full. The agreement will be put to creditors in two weeks and voted on in four weeks.

atkins profit leaps

Consultant WS Atkins reported pretax profit for the year to March up by 20% to œ22 million on a turnover of œ235.8 million, also up by 20%. Atkins plans to seek a Stock Exchange listing in the summer.

sindall buys stansell

Morgan Sindall has bought west country builder Stansell. The Taunton-based contractor, established in 1823, is the largest independent contractor in the region. Garvis Snook will stay on as md with a Morgan Sindall executive joining the board.

hay petitions court

Dundee building company JB Hay has petitioned the court to wind up the company. The move follows a dispute with a former client, Mansion Court Homes. JB Hay's claims were granted by the court.

crest nicholson gains

Surrey-based housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, has raised its pre-tax profits from œ129,000 to œ2.2 million, with all three divisions showing an improvement in performance. Housing reservations since the half year have shown a modest rise in units but at a higher value.



Wimpey Environmental has been acquired by its management and will trade as Wimtec Environmental. The new firm capabilities encompass a range of site investigation, geotechnical engineering, measurement and assessment skills.



Construction firms are still reporting difficulties with borrowing from banks, according to the latest Forum of Private Business Quarterly Surveys. However, the number of businesses reporting a tougher attitude on borrowing has dropped from 18% to 14% over the last year.