Henry Boot Covid tests show no greater risk from construction

Grant Prior 4 years ago
Share

Covid tests carried out by Henry Boot have revealed no greater risks of infection for those working on construction sites.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Roberts detailed the firm’s response to the pandemic in its latest set of annual results released today.

He said: “The safety and welfare of our people, customers, supply chain, and the communities in which we operate have been the key priorities in Henry Boot’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak and I’m relieved to say that the safety procedures we have installed have allowed us to continue operating safely.

“We have monitored infection rates closely using lateral flow testing, including in our largest construction site at Barnsley, and there is no data to suggest that the people who have been working on site and in our depots have been at greater risk.

“Whilst I want to thank everyone at Henry Boot, I would like to give special thanks goes to those who have worked on site or in our depots so effectively, away from the relative safety of home working.”

Pre-tax profit for the year to December 31 2020 fell to £17.1m from £49.1m last time as turnover dropped to £222.4m from £379.7m.

But the impact of the pandemic wasn’t as bad as first feared and Roberts said the balance sheet was “rock solid” with £38.5m of cash in the bank.

Henry Boot is now looking to expand with a focus on the three areas of industrial and logistics, residential and urban development.

The construction division generated an operating profit of £6.5m from turnover of £86.2m with activity levels recovering to 95% of pre-pandemic by the end of the year.

Roberts said: “We have had a good start to the year securing new opportunities and are now ahead of our expectations having already secured a full orderbook for 2021.

“We are still receiving good tender opportunities and are well placed as the economy recovers through our presence on nine public sector national and regional frameworks, where we expect spend on construction projects will be maintained by the Government’s Build Back Better policy.”

Latest news

Balfour Beatty terminates Danny Sullivan labour deals

Around 500 workers on HS2 will be moved to alternative agencies or be taken on direct
20 hours ago

Trio face prosecution after Hinkley site death

Main contractors and client to face charges over death of site supervisor
20 hours ago

Buyers see recovery in house building sector

But civil and commercial work still in the doldrums
1 day ago

Apprentice saws-off thumb on hotel refurb site

Court hears how digit was reattached and teenager continued training with another firm
1 day ago

Laing O’Rourke tops June contracts league

£919m animal super lab dominates new orders
2 days ago

TSL turnover smashes £500m as profit almost trebles

Data centre and logistics contractor rises high on surging demand
1 day ago

Gleeson Homes chief exec leaves business after restructure

Management revamp after "challenging" year
2 days ago

Green light for 1,600-home Oldham town centre overhaul

Plans for over 1,600 homes across six regeneration sites approved
2 days ago

DSM wins Norwich city centre clearance job

Anglia Square shopping centre clearance for £300m scheme
2 days ago

13-year-old becomes UK’s youngest qualified digger driver

Grandson of Gallagher Group chairman sets industry record
2 days ago

Cubby reborn in £12m Svella-backed takeover

£50m revenue target set as 14 firms combine under new Cubby Group banner
2 days ago

North East NHS trusts plot £3bn health estate overhaul

Market engagement begins for major construction push across four trusts
2 days ago

HG goes green on cranes in £1.2m switch to battery power

Diesel-free crane drive cuts fuel bills by 94%
3 days ago

Developer fined £165,000 for fire safety failings

Firm ignored fire safety orders on apartment job in Preston
3 days ago

Bidding to start for £1.8bn North West framework

Contractors invited to bid for latest Procure Partnerships deal
3 days ago

Hill hits record £90m profit as homes pipeline swells

Build-to-rent push and £4.8bn contracting book to fuel next growth phase
3 days ago

Rayner unveils £39bn plan to build 300,000 social homes

Council building revival and rent reform feature in social and affordable homes plan
4 days ago

Keltbray bounces back with £3.2m profit

Tighter controls and smarter project selection fuel strong turnaround
4 days ago

VINCI JV wins 500-home twin town centre revamps

Chester Northgate phase 2 and Northwich Weaver Square schemes move to delivery stage
4 days ago

80 energy projects unlocked as Ofgem backs grid expansion

£24bn energy networks deal gets green light from regulator
4 days ago

How to see your stories on the Enquirer

Join our Suppliers and Buyers directory to get your news published
4 days ago

Henley lands Midland Mill revamp on Leeds tower scheme

Restoration of 18th-century mill kicks off on South Bank regeneration project
3 days ago

New boss at Eric Wright Civil Engineering

Gavin Hulme takes top job as Diane Bourne moves to group role
4 days ago

Pinewood submits £1bn data centre plan

Studio giant adds green and learning spaces to tech hub blueprint
5 days ago

Record results after TClarke goes private

Britain's biggest M&E contractor flourishes after de-listing
5 days ago

Dalkia lands £200m nuclear maintenance deal

1,000 nuclear FM staff to join M&E contractor
4 days ago

Construction comeback to outpace wider economy

Arcadis forecast fueled by spending review optimism
5 days ago

First steel goes up on giant car battery site

Severfield gets to work on McAlpine Somerset site
5 days ago

Permasteelisa wins cladding deal on Bovis city tower

Facade specialist lands package at 60 Gracechurch Street
4 days ago

Fox buys recycled asphalt specialist Fisher

Acquisition adds major recycled asphalt capacity in north west
5 days ago