The UK construction arm of Swedish contractor Skanska has posted a strong set of results for the third quarter, although overall group figures were lower than expected.

In the UK, construction revenue for the three months to September rose £223m from £190m, up 17% compared with the same period last year.

This compared favourable with overall group results. Net profit for the three months to September was £58m, 17% down from the £71m it made last year. Revenue was flat at £2.3bn.

Stuart Graham, the chief executive, said the outlook for the UK construction division was “cautiously optimistic” but that its building and civil construction divisions were hampered by a shortage of staff.