Esh Border Construction calls 2015 a year of “consolidation and investment”

Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips

Scottish-based construction firm Esh Border Construction, part of Esh Group, has announced its annual accounts.

The firm said its key focuses were “consolidation and investment” last year, generating turnover of £275 million to the end of December 2015. Profit before tax was down at £8.6 million and cash balance was £29 million.

Brian Manning, CEO at Esh Group, commented, “This is a good performance and a credit to the hard-working employees and supply chain partners.

“2015 was always anticipated as a year of consolidation in terms of turnover given the growth in 2014.

“Profit has been affected by a number of factors including; market conditions, investments in business outside Scotland and costs ahead of a major IT project.”

Esh Border Construction opened a regional office in Livingston last year and has been appointed contractor on projects including Historic Scotland’s £8.9 million Engine Shed in Stirling.

The company, which employs over 100 people in Scotland, has also recently announced new contract wins including a £2 million contract for West Lothian Council to extend three local primary schools and a £1.9 million contract to construct the new Eastfield Farm Care Facility for Midlothian Council.

Brian manning added, “The construction industry is showing signs of sustained recovery, and with our strong cash position, Esh Group is well positioned to lead the new opportunities with our partners once areas such as Devolution and the EU are more settled.”

Simon Phillips, regional managing director, said, “We have been delighted with the performance of our of Livingston office since opening in March last year.

“Whilst consolidating our position, we are also actively looking to build the business and are targeting new opportunities across the central belt.”

He added, “The team has enjoyed a steady pipeline of work including three local primary schools, new build developments, sympathetic regeneration work, and high quality social housing, and as a company we are committed to the Scottish market and to growing the business north of the border.”