One of the region’s best known building contractors has hailed a resiliant performance despite a slight year-on-year dip in results.

Aldridge-based Shaylor reported sales of over £56m - 7 per cent down on the same period last year.

Chief executive Stephen Shaylor said that the group had performed well and significantly above the industry norm where output has fallen by 23 per cent in the West Midlands region over the last year.

“It has been a challenging year for the construction industry, opportunities have been fewer and we are operating in an extremely volatile economic climate,” he said. “However we have maintained our strategy of planned and managed growth, geared around strategic and sustainable business.

“We also made progress in respect of numerous projects under the banner of corporate and social responsibility, as well as the introduction of new initiatives, such as ‘Our Values’ which underpin the business and facilitate advanced levels of service to our customers.”

Recent wins that total almost £20m for the group include a £3m custody suite for West Midlands Police Authority at Coventry, a £1.7m Goals Soccer Centre in Liverpool and new education sector projects for the construction division.

Meanwhile the commercial, retail and office fit-out business, JDI has secured around £2m of new work for clients such as Network Rail, Railgourmet and Calthorpe Estates.

Finance director Gary Turley said: “We have strong relationships with many public sector bodies that have led to increased opportunities for the Shaylor Special Projects team. This area of the business doubled last year and the momentum has carried through.

“With good visibility for the year ahead with a confirmed order book over £40m we are optimistic that we will maintain our growth and seek out new opportunities in this challenging market.”