The company says it is still confident of delivering EBITDA margin in excess of 6.5% in 2008 following a record year to date.

The firm, which has been awarded contracts with a total value over £700m since 1 July, also expects to hit its target margin of 8.5% in 2010.

"Our clients remain focused on long-term fundamentals and we continue to see a strong and diverse range of attractive prospective contracts across the business," said chief executive Samir Brikho.

"AMEC's net cash position is exceptionally strong," he added. "We look to the future with measured confidence and continue to monitor opportunities for growth through selective acquisition."