Pre-tax profit soared to a 10-year high of £26.3m from £7.8m in 2017 as revenue pushed ahead 12% to £750m.

Chief executive Steve Fox said: “This solid business performance reflects the diligent application of our strategy.

“We continue to choose to partner with customers and suppliers who align with our objectives, in a market that remains challenged by many factors, Brexit amongst them.”

Among other operational highlights, BAM Nuttall delivered a 30% reduction in RIDDOR reportable incident frequency and cut in half total person-days lost to work-related incidents.

Fox said: “It’s encouraging to see an already strong safety performance improve further in 2018, with reportable injuries now occurring at less than 1 in 1.4 million worked hours”

He added: “Our work to eliminate forward-tipping dumpers and causes of vibration-related illness, are having a profound impact across the industry and our desire to improve and maintain positive mental health and wellbeing is undimmed.”