Shaylor sees nationals as main competition

Shaylor Group expects the regional offices of national contractors to be its main competition over the coming year, rather than SMEs.

The prediction came as the company unveiled a modest 9% rise in pre-tax profit to £2.5m for the year to 31 March 2009. Meanwhile turnover increased 32% to £60.5m.

In his director's report, chief executive Steve Shaylor said: "The credit crunch and subsequent economic recession has brought about tough trading conditions. This has led to the demise of many of our competitor organisations of a similar size and capability over the last 18 months. As such our business is one of a reducing number of independent construction companies within the £50m-£100m range.

"We recognise that much of our competition now comes from regional offices of national listed contractions."

The highest-paid director at the company took a pay rise for the year of 23% to £127,000. The average monthly number of employees at the company also increased from 124 to 183.

Shaylor Group is made up of six divisions, including:

• Shaylor Construction
• Shaylor Strategic Alliance
• Shaylor Special Projects
• Shaylor Repair & Maintain
• JDI
• Shaylor Developments