Profits rose from £13.5m in 2006 to £21.9m this year. Turnover, however, fell from £50.7m in the six months ending 30 June 2006 to £47.1m this year.

Henry Boot said its expansion of its property portfolio helped it to increase the value of its business by 60% to £207.6m.

The company said government initiatives and high activity in the South East helped the performance of its construction business. The company said it has also carved out a niche in the Decent Homes refurbishment and Prison Alliance programmes.