Consultant WS Atkins has extensive operations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. "We have contingency plans in place and are in touch with our local offices every day," said overseas director David Howells. He added: "There is no tension in the area, and we are continuing to bid for new work."
Contractor Costain has 822 staff in the Middle East and North Africa, most of whom are working on projects in Egypt. Although they are not in any immediate danger from rising tension following the military action, a spokesperson said: "We are ready to react to any change at a moment's notice."
Laing Construction had been scheduled to begin work on a £9m refurbishment of US Naval facilities on Diego Garcia, a British territory in the Indian Ocean, but this work is understood to have been delayed because of its strategic importance at the present time.
