T Clarke expects lower profit

T Clarke expects its pre-tax profit for 2005 to be at the lower end of City expectations.

In a trading statement issued to the Stock Exchange this morning, the M&E specialist noted: "The reported profit before tax will include a £1m profit contribution from the sale of freehold properties."

Despite "very encouraging levels of enquiries in the fourth quarter", trading remained tough and margins remained under pressure.

However, looking forward, the group expects an improved performance to "manifest itself in the second half of 2006 and in 2007".

Clarke's order book stands at £160m.