T Clarke makes 'positive' start to 2009

Electrical contractor T Clarke has said there are signs of confidence returning to the commercial sector.

In a trading update this morning, the company said market conditions were still uncertain but formal construction activity could start on a number of commercial developments by mid 2010.

The statement added: “The group has made a positive start to the year and the order book stands at around £175m (Q1 2008: £200m).”

It said “steady progress” was being made on the Olympic stadium, where it is the electrical contractor.

It also pointed to the fact it had net cash of about £21m on 30 April but said it remained “vigilant with regard to credit risk and bad debt exposure.”

It added: “At this stage we are not considering any acquisitions, but we remain alert to be able to move quickly if suitable opportunities present themselves.”