The group ended the year with an operating margin of 3.8% (2024: 3.7%) and a cash balance swollen just over 40% to £46m, giving it one of the strongest cushions among London specialists.

Directors said a deliberate strategy of diversifying across concrete frames, fit-out, demolition and groundworks had underpinned profitability despite sector headwinds and was now positioning the group to expand further into defence, water and data centres.

Chief executive Michael Byrne said: “While the introduction of the Building Safety Act has had an impact on the residential sector, the businesses are actively diversifying into other markets where their teams’ transferable skills can deliver value.

“The group enters the new financial year with a clear strategic focus on maintaining profitability, expanding into resilient growth markets, and enhancing cross-subsidiary collaboration.”

Concrete frame specialist Byrne Bros led the way, driving revenues up 18% to £100.5m and operating profit 26% higher at £4.3m, thanks to major infrastructure and energy-from-waste projects.

Building and fitout specialist Ellmer Construction boosted turnover by a third to £81m, with new wins in hotels and high-end residential, though operating profit dipped 8% to £2.4m as margins tightened.

Groundworks contractor O’Keefe Construction kept in profit despite turnover sliding 46% to £16m, while O’Keefe Demolition swung from a modest £27,000 profit to £400,000 on stable £3.3m revenues.

Looking forward, Byrne Bros is broadening into defence and data centres while continuing on HS2 and the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Ellmer has a strong London order book including a major care home scheme in Kensington and the new Allen Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Ellmer started the Allen Stand project this month, with full completion expected in winter 2026/27, ready for full use for the Ashes series in 2027.

The O’Keefe businesses are bedding in as part of an “end-to-end” offer, supporting care schemes and stadium redevelopments alongside core group projects.