Morgan sold 220,000 shares at £18.84 each, leaving him with just over 4m shares in the group, worth £76m.

It is his second big share disposal having raised another £4m four months ago from the sale of 300,000 shares then valued at £13.64 each.

Last week Morgan Sindall shrugged off challenging construction market conditions in 2019 to lift revenue 3% to £3bn. This generated a 10% jump in pre-tax profit to £89m.

He said the group anticipated another strong year ahead supported by a strong balance sheet and secured workload up 14% to £7.6bn.

After nine years as chairman, John Morgan returned to the role as chief executive in 2012 to implement a restructure following a dismal performance.

Since taking the helm again he has turned around Morgan Sindall’s fortunes and seen its share price treble.