The No.1 Power Player in Construction: Ian Tyler

In recognition of Balfour Beatty's stunning growth, Ian Tyler tops CJ's Power Players for 2008, knocking Ray O'Rourke from pole position.

A few years ago, UK contractors were nowhere near French giants Vinci and Bouygues, but having achieved record profits, Balfour Beatty is now hot on their heels. The company beat city expectations in its results for the year to 31 December 2007, having pushed turnover past the £7bn mark for the first time. It achieved a pre-tax profit of £157m, up from £109 in 2006.

Balfour Beatty has had a relentless push in the last five years, growing from a £3bn contractor, to the monster it is today. Even the association with Metronet hasn't dented its standing and it remains a government darling in terms of big public sector work, last week getting preferred bidder status on the £4.5bn M25 DBFO.

Slow and steady seems to be the motto of the measured Tyler, who led the firm through 10 acquisitions totalling more than £330m last year. Most were regional civil engineering and building firms, and while none of them were spectacular, all were adapted and spread smoothly across the company's operations.

The only acquisition that might have raised eyebrows was that of US building firm Centex Construction for £191m, followed this year by GMH Communities Trust for £180m. Big players in the US military market, they represent Tyler's desire to increase the group's global footprint and create a "scenario where operations in America and the UK are the same size". And with a sizeable war chest at his disposal, the US shopping spree may not be over.

But back in the UK, the firm's fantastic year may yet be tainted by the OFT's investigation in pto construction. Balfour Beatty has been co-operating, but it may take more than financial muscle if Tyler is to stave off any sanctions and maintain the company's influence.