VolkerWessels UK increased pre-tax profit by 47% to £70.5m as tighter project selection and a focus on higher-margin work strengthened returns despite broadly flat revenue.
Profit growth outpaces turnover
Revenue across the infrastructure group remained virtually unchanged at £1.49bn, while operating profit rose 50% to £66m. This lifted the operating margin from 3.0% to 4.4%.
The forward order book reduced from £1.51bn to £1.44bn, reflecting a continued focus on profitability rather than volume. Directors said the strategy remained centred on “sustainable growth in earnings and exceeding the expectations of clients, rather than significantly increasing revenues”.
Rail remained VolkerWessels UK’s largest market, with turnover increasing 4.2% to £570.2m. Commercial, industrial and education construction recorded the strongest growth, rising 10.7% to £153.4m.
Infrastructure pipeline supports outlook
VolkerFitzpatrick’s workload includes the M3 Junction 9 upgrade, M27 Junction 10 improvements, the A38 Spaghetti Junction refurbishment and the HS2 Align joint venture.
VolkerRail entered 2026 targeting opportunities across Network Rail’s Control Period 7 programme, including the TransPennine Route Upgrade, Southern Renewals Enterprise, East West Rail and the Midland Rail Hub.
VolkerStevin expects defence, ports and marine infrastructure to support future growth, while VolkerHighways has mobilised a seven-year West Sussex highways contract and continues to maintain more than 9,500km of road network.
Image credit: VolkerWessels
Source: VolkerWessels UK – Annual Report and Financial Statements
