Eleven construction firms have made it into the Top Track 100, compiled by The Sunday Times, which ranks Britain's biggest 100 private companies by total sales.
Construction equipment maker JCB was the top-ranked company in the sector in 30th place, with sales of £807m and a 7.5% share of the world market. Contractor Sir Robert McAlpine was ranked 31st – despite an operating loss of £4m – because it made worldwide sales of £794m last year.

Perhaps the most dynamic company listed was housebuilder Fairview New Homes, which has defied the economic downturn to increase sales from £173m to £435m last year. It rose 10 places to 72nd.

Other entries included housebuilder and developer Miller Group, 43rd; contractor O'Rourke, 45th; contractor and developer Shepherd Building Group, 50th; contractor Mansell, 57th; contractor Wates, 60th; contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, 62nd; consultant engineer Arup, 81st; and consultant engineer Mott MacDonald, 83rd.