TClarke profit down despite increased revenue

TClarke has reported pre-tax profit of £4.9m for 2011, down from £5.7m the previous year.

The building-services contractor’s results for the year to 31 December 2011 showed a rise in group revenue from £179.0m to £183.8m. But its operating profit margin was squeezed from 4.1% to 2.6%.

Chief executive Mark Lawrence said the firm was demonstrating its “resilience” in the midst of challenging markets.

“The mix of our business has broadened in line with our strategy of widening the range of services we offer,” he said.

“The group has strengthened its balance sheet, continued to deliver a profit and remains committed to paying our shareholders an appropriate dividend.”

Lawrence said the company’s order book was strong.

“We remain optimistic that we will continue to drive the business forward,” he said.

He added that the company’s reputation continued to be a significant asset and allowed it to secure high-profile work, such as the Walkie Talkie Tower in the City of London, Brent Civic Centre, in north-west London, and the Bluewater Winter Garden refurbishment in Kent.

The company said its Scotland operations had remained loss-making for 2011, but were delivering “an improving performance”.