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Allen, the mixed construction group, announced record profits on Monday, with chairman Donald Greenhalgh predicting "considerable improvement" again in 1997.

Allen operates in five sectors: building, civil engineering, hire services, housebuilding and property development. "We presently have no intention to operate outside of these activities," said Greenhalgh.

Turnover (12 months to March) climbed from œ110 million to œ150 million, while profit before tax was 34 per cent higher at œ11 million.

The operating margin in building contracting held at three per cent, with turnover ahead by 30 per cent. Regionbridge, acquired last December, made a small loss but is expected to move into profit this time.

Civil Engineering yielded a 5.1 per cent operating margin.

Turnover jumped 65 per cent higher, mainly as a result of the increase in work undertaken on utility contracts by Ryan, a higher volume of private client infrastructure work carried out by Pearce, together with the first year's turnover at Sheet Piling which Allen formed in April last year. Allen boss cheered by 34% profits hike