The figures were broadly in line with expectation, showing solid growth.

Turnover at £634m was up 11 per cent over the same period last year, while pre tax profit was up rose from £29.3m to £42.7m, up 46 per cent.

The company now has 16,383 staff compared to 14,594 a year ago.

Commenting on the results, Keith Clarke, chief executive of Atkins, said:

“These are very good results and we are well positioned to improve and grow in our key business of engineering and design. This is a great business in great shape which is scaleable and enduring.”