Architect boasts order book fatter than a year ago and continuing improvement in efficiency levels

Architect SMC has said that trading is “robust” compared with last year, as the group continues its push towards greater profitability and efficiency.

In a trading update today, it said: “Trading continues to be robust with a stronger order book than at the same stage in 2007, coupled with an improved conversion rate of order book into revenue and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.”

The UK-based firm also announced that it has agreed improved terms with its bank, HBOS, and will continue to make cost savings over and above those arising from its review on 2007.

In the last two months SMC has earned more than £8m in fees, including retail and mixed-use developments in China, Malaysia and Singapore and a flight simulation training centre in Sussex.

Staff levels in Asia have doubled in the last 12 months as a result of the architect's expanding order book in the region.

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