The consultant, which delivered strong profit growth in the first six months of this year, said its strategy also to target growth sectors, such as energy and infrastructure, had been well judged.

Sweett has secured work on the Hinkley C Nuclear Power Station, the Jaguar Land Rover Global Consultancy Framework and Croydon’s Whitgift Centre redevelopment, which all promise big work opportunities.

Sweett’s head count has risen by nearly 10% in the last 12 months to 1,500 as the cost consultant spread its geographical base and work sectors.

Its Leeds social housing project reached financial close in July 2013 and has made a significant contribution to the core trading result.

Pre-tax profits jumped to £2.8m  in the first half of the year to September from £1.6m last time on revenue up 18% to £44m

Chairman Michael Henderson said: “We are achieving considerable success in our plan to diversify into new sectors and are becoming more balanced geographically. Most importantly for our forward development, we are achieving a significant proportion of our new business from well-established customer relationships and preferred supplier status.

“While all parts of our business are performing well, the period under review saw notable contract wins in energy and infrastructure in the UK and Hong Kong.”

Europe now accounts for 56% of Sweett’s business, Asia Pacific 32% and the Middle East, Africa and India around 12%.