Balfour no.1 in Construction Top 100

Balfour Beatty has taken no.1 spot in the annual Construction Top 100 for the second year running.

The Top 100 is a review of all key construction data, including financial performances of the leading UK construction companies, and compiled by industry expert Brian Green. It has been published by Contract Journal for the first time this year, in association with A-Plant.

Balfour's turnover rose by £914m to a whopping £5.8bn, putting it over £2bn ahead of nearest challenger Taylor Woodrow. However, Taywood was the most profitable company because of its big housebuilding operation.

Balfour chief executive Ian Tyler told CJ: "The industry has continued to benefit from strong demand and favourable market conditions. Activity levels are likely to remain strong, but over the next 12 months, I expect to see more uncertainty developing about whether major market growth momentum will be maintained longer term."

Taylor Wimpey was no.1 in the Top 25 Housebuilders table, while Ashtead was no.1 in the Top 25 Plant Hirers.

Housebuilder Stewart Milne had the highest paid directors, while Bowmer & Kirkland had the biggest earning bosses among contractors.

The full Construction Top 100 is published as a 52-page colour booklet, priced at £25. To order a copy, please write to CJ Top 100, c/o Ajesh Visram, Contract Journal, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, SM2 5AS, enclosing a cheque for £25 made payable to Contract Journal.