Revenue of £825 million, up from £670m during the previous year, was in line with forecast, following a year of mixed trading performance across the portfolio with a number of the group’s companies delivering outstanding trading results.

Profitability, however, was down on the previous year following the impact of provisions made in relation to The Building Safety Act and the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, and performance in three specific construction contracts.

Elliot Robertson, chief executive officer, Robertson Group, said: “The group delivered a strong underlying overall performance. The provisions made in relation to remedial legislation have had significant impact across the entire industry, and we have been working hard to respond to the matters that arose on the specific construction contracts.

“In line with our commitment to continuous improvement and to ensure similar issues are prevented in the future, we have implemented a series of enhancement measures across our governance, risk management and compliance processes. e have revisited our quality management procedures and introduced extensive employee training programmes.”

The group maintains its debt free balance sheet and a strong cash position of £82m (2023:£58m).

Elliot added: “While we are disappointed, we remain steadfast in our ability to provide our customers with high-quality projects and services across our diverse portfolio of businesses.

“The group has experienced substantial growth, with six clearly defined and separate operating businesses, represented by 19 trading entities across the UK. Each business’s board has been further strengthened through the addition of sector leading people and a clear strategic plan focussed on their customers and local markets. Our strong balance sheet means that each of the businesses, with a combination of excellent people and stringent processes, are in a strong position to assure a sustainable future for our employees, customers, business partners and the communities we serve.

“Following enhancement to our governance and risk management framework, each business undertakes a complete project and service gateway process which is critical to the success of the group and our customers.

“Throughout the year, we have never lost sight of our number one priority, the health and safety of our employees, customers, supply chain and anyone else who comes into contact with our operations. An industry leading drugs and alcohol testing programme has led to measured improvements across the health and safety environment.” 

Robertson has been climate positive since 2020, and by 2030 aims to generate zero emissions from its offices, commercial fleet and construction sites within its operational control while delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on its projects. Part of its 2030 plan is to have a net zero fleet and with 79% of the fleet now electric, the target to eliminate internal combustion engines should be met in advance of the target date.

The group was recognised in the year for its commitment to its most valuable asset, its people and workforce. With strategies fully embedded across the portfolio of businesses to support ‘People’ and ‘Next Gen’, the group achieved Gold Investors in People and Platinum Investors in Young People accreditations.

Elliot concluded: “Across our portfolio of businesses we are well positioned to ensure a sustainable and competitive market offering and profitability in the current year has recovered. Having strengthened our governance, through the addition of industry leading people to our individual business boards, and our processes across all of our operations, each of our businesses are selectively identifying the right opportunities and are underpinned by our healthy cash balance and debt free balance sheet.

“Our profitability has bounced back strongly this year in line with expectations, and we have a healthy pipeline and strong customer relationships.  Our people are committed to delivering the highest quality products and services for repeat and new customers and as we approach our 60-year anniversary in 2026, we are setting out our strategy to assure a sustainable future for the next 60 years and beyond.”