Speading wider pays off for T Clarke

Developing a wider regional coverage has paid dividends for electrical contractor T Clarke. The group announced this morning that its pre-tax profit in the first half of 2003 was 36% higher at £6m.

Chairman Russell Race said: "At the start of 2003, the outlook was challenging. However, I am delighted to report a very creditable performance."

Turnover was up 16% at £78m with two-thirds of this coming from London and the South East, T Clarke's traditional area of work, and the balance from its expanding regional operations.

The group's policy of expansion through bolt-on acquisitions has resulted in four deals in the last 18 months. They are: GDI (Manchester); WE Manning (Sittingbourne, Kent); Rowley Regis (west Midlands); and Aylward (Cambridgeshire).

A spokesman for T Clarke said: "We look for established businesses that are owner-managed and with deep roots in their locality. We don't change their name."

Projects secured in the first half include BBC West One and the London Stock Exchange Fit-Out at Paternoster Square, where Interiors holds the main contract.