Higher-value steelwork contracts lift Billington profits

Independent steelwork contractor Billington navigated volatile material prices to deliver a much-improved underlying operating margin approaching 7% last year.
The jump in pre-tax profit to £5.8m from £1.3 m previously out of revenue ahead 5% at £87m was helped by improved factory operating efficiency and a move to larger more complex projects.
Mark Smith, chief executive officer, said that market remained challenging, but Billington had secured significant contracts at improve