Turnover up but profit flatlines at DCT Civil Engineering

Oldham-based civil engineering contractor has reported a 15% increase in turnover to £43.5m for the year ended 31 December 2008 (2007 figure: £38.1m), but profit before tax was down fractionally at £434,000 (£453,000).

DCT operates regionally from the Midlands up to Scotland, and is active in utilities, transport infrastructure, energy and regeneration.

The turnover increase was chiefly down to the contribution of subsidiary Dew Construction, which DCT acquired in 2006.

DCT has a five-year £30m framework with Severn Trent Water, and said it is "actively pursuing parternship arrangements with the larger water industry players and continuing to investigate opportunities in the waste and renewable energy sectors".

It said development-related activities "have reduced to an insignificant level".

DCT's net cash flow for the year was a healthy £4.3m.

Creditors increased from £11.2m in 2007 to £13.7m for the latest reporting period, of which trade creditors represent £5.7m.

Debtors were down from £10.5m to £9.5m.

DCT's pension scheme has assets of £906,000, a shortfall of £328,000 on its defined obligation.

The group employs 159 people including Dew Construction, up from 148 in 2008.