The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
New schools in Tayside boost profits at Robertson
Firm also carried out refurbishment of Perth Theatre
The construction company behind the refurbishment of Perth Theatre and several major schools projects in Tayside has reported a rise in profits.
Robertson Group Ltd saw its turnover increase by 29% to £572 million for the year ending March 31. Pre-tax profits rose from £20.3m to £26.1m.
As well as the recently completed restoration of Perth Theatre, the company has also built the new Harris Academy in Dundee, community campuses in Brechin and Forfar, Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath and Sidlaw View Primary School in Dundee.
It also carried out a refurbishment of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service hub at Macalpine Road in Dundee.
Chairman William Robertson said the company’s order book was in excess of £1 billion, a record level.
He said: “As a result of the track record and diversity of Robertson Group, we have now firmly established ourselves as a significant niche infrastructure provider who can deliver major projects in excess of £100m and who is a trusted partner in many public and private-sector frameworks.
“We have also shaped the business to a place where we are covering a greater geography, and will continue this strategy of organic, geographical expansion.
“The broader skill set we have created is giving us the opportunity to be more selective on the value of projects we procure.
“Our major projects team now has the capability to undertake significant projects throughout the UK.”
The company runs 22 divisions including Robertson Tayside, which operates from George Buckman Drive in Dundee.
The major projects division is on site at the new £251m Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and the new £60m Balfour hospital development in Orkney.
The number of people employed by the group rose by 19% during the year to 1,943.
A focus on investing in youth has seen the company employ 114 people under the age of 24, including 48 apprentices.
Mr Robertson added: “Over the last few years we have positioned Robertson Group to capitalise on what we perceive as a changed but sustainable market offering considerable growth opportunity.
“Our group order book is stronger than it ever has been, at a value of £1bn.
“This visibility in our order book, in conjunction with the inherent strength of our balance sheet, provides us with confidence for the group in the short, medium and long term.”