Arup’s profit jumps 268% – with a little help from China

Arup has posted its best ever financial performance thanks in part to rapid growth in Chinese workload.

The consulting engineer reported a pre-tax profit of £21m for the year ending 31 March 2006 – a 268% increase on the previous year when profit stood at £5.7m. There was also a strong rise in turnover – up 10% to £475m.

David Whittleton, Arup’s group commercial director, said: “I’m pleased to say we’ve shown strong performance in just about all our businesses and regions in the 2005/06 financial year.

“Our profitability has improved across the whole of the Arup Group. I can also tell you that in this financial year, we’re on track for another strong performance.”

China has been one of the main growth areas for Arup this year. It is working on many of the venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics including the Beijing national stadium and the Olympic Green Convention Centre.

The consultant’s work in sustainable living has also led to strong growth in profit and it is advising on the Dongtan eco city near Shanghai and the regeneration of the Thames Gateway, Kent.

The UK remains Arup’s largest area of operations, generating £244m turnover. Asia is second, with a turnover of £94m, followed by America, Australia, the rest of Europe and Africa (see table).

The company’s eight directors shared a financial pot of £1.7m with the highest paid director taking home a salary of £290,000.