Davis Langdon turnover up 35% on back of Middle East boom

Davis Langdon has reported a 35% rise in global turnover to £259m, boosted by growth in the Middle East.

The company’s turnover across its British, European and Middle Eastern business rose 28% to £197m for the year to the end of April 2008, despite uncertain market conditions in the UK.

Growth was particularly strong in the Middle East, where its schemes include the £250m Harvard Medical School in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Investment Company Tower.

Rob Smith, Davis Langdon’s senior partner, said the year ahead would “undoubtedly be tougher” in Europe. He said: “The UK and Ireland will be badly affected, and we are looking to markets like the Middle East for growth. We expect turnover there to double this year.”

The company said turnover remained strong in the commercial, retail and public sectors, but that the infrastructure, education, hotels, arts and leisure sectors showed the most growth.

The firm’s service areas of cost management, project management and specialist services showed growth of 15-35% over the year.

Staff numbers in the UK, Europe and the Middle East increased by 28%, from 1,667 to 2,100 over the past year.

Davis Langdon publishes a full breakdown of results, including profit, later in the year.