Paul Hamer

This compares to a £26.2m loss in 2020.

Announcing its annual results for 2020-21, the firm revealed that annual turnover had reached £937.2m, compared to £819.5m in 2020.

At the same time, cash balances remained healthy at £106.2m at year end with no debt.

The firm said that halfway through its implementation, its five-year business strategy has helped bolster resilience during challenging times, giving the company the agility to adapt to everchanging trading conditions and unpredictable geopolitical shifts.

The company wrote: “By continuing to play to our core strengths and values, and nurturing relationships with key clients, consultants and supply chain partners, the business was able to mitigate the impact on productivity caused by the pandemic, Brexit, and the shortage of materials and skilled labour.”

In 2019, Sir Robert McAlpine reported an increase in profitability following the introduction of the firm’s business strategy. In 2020, despite the temporary adverse impact of the pandemic on its financial results, the company showed strong underlying performance, bolstered by the strategy.

Paul Hamer, CEO, said: “Despite the numerous challenges we have had to face during the financial year, our business strategy has proved its resilience. With a sharp focus on continuing to play to our core strengths and values, we have achieved what we set out to do: deliver a robust performance and a return to profit.

“There is no doubt in my mind that our ongoing performance is also down to the skills, expertise and commitment of all the people working on our projects. We remain committed to our ambition to become the Best Place to Work. This is reflected in the many initiatives we have undertaken to promote an inclusive and flexible culture that welcomes everyone and cares for our communities.”

He concluded: “With more than 90% secured business and a healthy pipeline of opportunity, we now have a robust platform from which we can continue to deliver project excellence, tackle the climate emergency and create social value across the communities we serve and build positive momentum for 2022 and beyond.”