White Young Green escapes downturn

Consultant White Young Green has escaped the worst of the current downturn thanks to overseas wins and public sector work in the UK.

A trading statement released today said performance in the year to June has been strong and performance is in line with expectations.

The consultant hopes to reduce net debt at the group from £75m to £73m by the end of the year and has struck a deal with HM Revenue & Customs to knock £1.5m off its annual tax bill through research and development credits.

WYG’s recent contract wins include a £11.8m job for the European Commission to lead a major transport project in the Western Balkans.

Projects in the UK include a £4.5m commission for Network rail for station condition surveys and a raft of work under the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The statement said: “We are aware of difficulties in the wider economic climate, particularly in the UK, but with our breadth of service offering and strong and diverse client base, we are approaching the new financial year with confidence.”