Rok maintains profit levels

Property repair group Rok has announced it has maintained its profit levels despite the company's gross revenue being reduced.

The national group, which has branch offices in Bolton, Liverpool, Rochdale and Chester, said within its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2009 that it had grossed revenue of £714.8m which was 29% down on gross revenue of £1,011.2m in December 2008. Profit before tax was again £20.4m as it was in 2008.

Stephen Pettit, chairman at Rok, said: "We have maintained our profit levels despite reducing our revenues. This reflects the impact of our cost reduction programme as we shift our emphasis to the repair, maintenance and improvement markets.

"The Board continues to be cautious on the overall outlook for our sector. The changes we have made in repositioning our business I believe illustrate the strength and flexibility of our company which bodes well for the resumption of Rok's growth when the wider economy begins a sustainable recovery."

Rok said much of the restructuring that affected its North West operations happened in 2008, which included the closure of its Manchester construction office.

In September last year the company transferred its joint venture stake in Wilmslow Office Park to partner Royal Bank of Scotland.

Rok now specialises in repair and maintenance for the public sector and new build social housing.