HBG bucks UK market trend

HBG bucked the hesitant trend in the UK last year, according to its parent the Royal BAM Group.

HBG performed well thanks to the "excellent regional coverage and focus on client groups". With nine PPP/PFI contracts, HBG is "well-positioned".

Edmund Nuttall is "showing healthy development". BAM claims that Nuttall is the market leader in profitability in the UK civil engineering market.

Ascon, BAM's Irish business, achieved a good result despite the economic slowdown in the Republic. Ascon's order book is robust.

Operations in the UK and Ireland produced a turnover of more than £1.2bn and an operating profit of £48.5m, representing a margin of 3.9% - the highest in the group.