May Gurney upbeat in the downturn with £1bn order book

May Gurney remains upbeat in the downturn and has revealed an order book with more than £1bn in contracts.

The integrated services company announced today its performance is continuing in line with expectations and that it is confident about its business for the current financial year and beyond.

Chairman Tim Ross said: “The outlook in all of our key markets continues to be positive, with strong demand for our services and a robust order book of more than £1bn, including framework contracts.”

It pointed to a long-term maintenance contract with Norfolk County Council until 2012, worth about £35m annually, as shoring up confidence in the company.

Mr Ross said the company remained debt free and was not exposed to the struggles in the housing industry.

May Gurney’s acquisition of ECT Recycling, a operator in municipal waste recycling, continues and is expected to generate “considerable” future value as part of the group.