Costain has boosted turnover by 5% from £508.2m to £533.4m in the six months to 30 June 2010 as the group benefits from the relatively strong UK infrastructure market

Pre-tax profit rose by 19% from £6.9m to £8.2m , while its net cash improved from £119m to £134m.

Its order book has held steady at £2.5bn compared with the end of June 2009 and its wins in the first six months of this year include a five-year £115m joint venture maintenance managing agent contract (MAC) for the Highways Agency and a place on Crossrail’s four-year £100m advance works civils framework work.

The company said: “It is testimony to the group’s strategic focus … [that] Costain continues to deliver a strong operational and financial performance.”