Dean & Dyball is predicting a slower rate of growth this year after turnover exceeded expectations in 2006.

Pre-tax profit at the Hampshire contractor, jumped more than 30% to £3.8m for the year ending 30 September. Turnover rose by a similar margin to £249m.

Adrian Dyball, chief executive, said the company had outperformed his expectations but was hoping for a slower rate of growth this year.

“We had a slightly busier year than we expected but we think it’s more sensible to grow the business at about 10-15% a year. If we can do £270m next year we will be happy.”

Dyball added that the outlook for the current trading period looked good.

We think it’s more sensible to grow the business at 10-15%
a year. If we can do £270m next year we will be happy

Adrian Dyball, chief executive, Dean & Dyball

The group’s building division generated a turnover of £130m with civils and rail work accounting for the rest. The highest paid director received £171,111, but Dyball would not confirm if he was the recipient.

Over the 12 months, Dean & Dyball won a number of framework agreements, including two for Network Rail.

New projects included a rugby stadium in Exeter and Chelsea’s training academy in Cobham, Surrey.