ISG Jackson - Mixed-Use Development - UK

Date: 18 Mar 2008

ISG Jackson has turned in another strong financial performance with a record forward order book totalling £120 million for the coming 12-months. The Ipswich-based main contractor has virtually trebled its turnover over the past three years, securing an increasing volume of business across both major works and its small works division, ISG Jackson Special Projects.

These results confirm the continuing success of the divisional business model, adopted by the company some 18 months ago. By establishing standalone Living, Commercial and Public divisions, ISG Jackson is able to provide clients with true sector focused expertise from a dedicated team of professionals. ISG Jackson Special Projects continues to dominate its rivals on projects valued up to £2 million, growing its share of this highly competitive market and expanding its geographical scope.

Parent company, ISG, has just announced record pre-tax profits for the six month period to 31 December of £5.8 million, an increase of 43 per cent, whilst turnover has risen 27 per cent to £521 million. The overall forward order book for the business is up 15 per cent to a record £968 million, contributing to a 21 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 4.00p.

Recent contract wins across the business include two new deals the contractor has secured as a framework partner for the Flagship Housing Group in Suffolk and Cambridge, with a combined value of over £12 million. Since the start of the year, ISG Jackson Special Projects has also been awarded contracts valued at over £6 million in Ipswich, Harlow and Great Yarmouth.

The contractor has also concluded or is due to imminently complete a number of high profile projects, including the £10.2 million scheme to build a new physical and recreational training facility for the Ministry of Defence at Colchester Garrison in Essex and the new £7.2 million Braintree swimming pool complex. Other successful schemes include the £2.5 million hotel extension at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf Club and Spa near Colchester and a stunning £850K swimming pool extension at a private residence in Felixstowe.

The introduction of the ISG Jackson Academy, the company's in-house training and development facility continues to play a major role in attracting and retaining the very best talent from within the industry. With an annual training budget of around £1,000 per employee, a 70-seat lecture theatre and purpose built IT training room, the Academy is integral to providing a structured training and development path for individuals at every level within the business.

ISG Jackson's consistently oversubscribed management trainee programme continues to deliver high calibre and well rounded professionals into the business, with the Academy forging close links with Anglia Ruskin University, the Colchester Institute and Suffolk College. Membership of professional industry bodies is actively encouraged and currently the business boasts five Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and 16 Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).

The focus on sustainability is an increasingly important consideration within the industry and ISG Jackson is implementing a range of initiatives both on site and within its headquarters building to minimise its impact on the environment. The company has recently become a gold corporate member of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, working alongside the agency to protect and enhance wildlife around its sites.

Bernard Clarke, managing director of ISG Jackson, commented: "The company has once again reported a record year for turnover, profitability and the breadth and depth of its forward order book. Year on year performance figures are highly indicative that we have correctly aligned our business to the specific needs and requirements of our clients. Our appointment to an increasing number of framework partnerships highlights our ability to compete on an equal footing with national operators in terms of quality, professionalism and innovation.

"Building on the critical mass and core infrastructure of the business, we are now expanding the geographical scope of our operations, actively seeking out opportunities within Kent, Sussex and Surrey. The prospects for another record breaking year look excellent, with business growth underpinned by strong divisional management teams and our core principles of value, quality and service."