A leading construction group working on a number of high-profile schemes in Gloucestershire has today reported an increase in profits.

The Kier Group has announced a profit before tax of £46.3million for the second half of last year, a year-on-year rise of 12 per cent, while underlying operating profit went up by four per cent to £56.5million.

Major projects that Kier is currently working on include the redevelopment of the former central police station in Gloucester (pictured) and the building of the new £7.5million Gloucester bus station.

CEO Haydn Mursell said: "Today's results reflect the ongoing financial and operational discipline employed across the Group and the strength of our flexible, integrated business model.

"The Group has a balanced portfolio of businesses and market leading positions in regional building, infrastructure and housing.

"Our continued focus on simplifying the portfolio and working with clients in a collaborative way is delivering further growth opportunities. Our clients recognise this approach as a key differentiator when working with Kier.

"The Group's breadth provides some resilience against economic uncertainty and we continue to shape Kier to focus on our core competencies.

"We are encouraged by the pipeline in the Property and Residential businesses and our healthy order books of approximately £9billion in the Construction and Services businesses."

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