Leadbitter bullish despite chairman exit

Leadbitter has moved to reassure the industry of its profitability after the chairman of its Dutch parent company resigned following "disappointing" results.

Guus Hoefsloot, chairman of Heijmans' executive board, fell on his sword after it emerged that group profits would drop.

But Leadbitter chief executive Bob Rendell distanced himself from the trouble overseas.

He said: "I was disappointed to learn that Guus Hoefsloot has resigned, but remain confident that the Heijmans Group as a whole, which has a projected profit after tax in 2008 of £40m, is robust and diverse enough to positively overcome its current situation.

"The Leadbitter Group, including Denne Construction, has enjoyed a further period of continued growth over the past 12 months, with turnover increasing to £263m."