In its latest trading statement the company said "Our secured and framework forward order book is now £1.25 billion and prospects in our growth Maintenance Services market remain positive.

"Local Authority spending in our sectors remains robust with good bidding prospects, and despite the short term volatility related to the rebidding processes in Utility services, the regulatory commitment to these areas makes us confident about the outlook."

The interim results will be announced on 2 December 2008.