Construction company Bluestone has contributed to another strong set of half-year results by parent company Morgan Sindall.

For the six months to June 30, the group, which operates a national network of fit-out, construction, low-cost housing and infrastructure services businesses, announced increased turnover of £559 million, up nine per cent from 2002's £515 million.

Pre-tax profits were up 51 per cent, from £5.9 million in the first six months of last year, to £8.9 million.

The board has announced an interim dividend of 4.75p, up from 2002's 4.25p.

Since January, Bluestone, which has offices in Brighton, secured new contracts in the region worth more than £31 million.

Key projects include a £1.2 million scheme to carry out structural adaptations at Alywin, Cedric and Rowena Court in Horsham for Saxon Weald Homes and a £400,000 conversion of the fourth floor at County Hall in Lewes for East Sussex County Council.

Graham Shennan, Bluestone's managing director, said: "We have made a strong start to the year and our decision to focus on specific market segments where we have a proven skills base is paying off."

Tuesday August 12, 2003