Consultant says half-year results to end September will be in line with expectations

Atkins has issued a robust trading statement following rapid growth in the Middle East over the past six months.

The engineering-based consultant said that results for the six months to September 2008 will be in line with expectations.

Ed Wallis, chairman of Atkins, said that there had been continued improvements in the group's rail business and a recovery in its management consultant business.

The UK-based group also reported that the increasing focus on sustainability in its markets has been increasing demand for the group's technical services.

The group's work in hand remains strong and we continue to view the outlook for the year with confidence

Ed Wallis, chairman of Atkins

Wallis said: “Despite the uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, our markets currently remain robust, driven by our clients' requirements to invest in their infrastructure.

“Looking further ahead, the group's work in hand remains strong and we continue to view the outlook for the year with confidence.”

Atkins' half-yearly results will be announced on 26 November 2008.