Pochin outlines contracting restructure

The contracting arm of Cheshire-based Pochin is re-launching as Pochin Construction.

The group is also launching a special projects division aimed at delivering schemes under £1m.

Under the new leadership of Jonathan Pochin, Pochin Construction has won a series of major contracts over the last six months. These include a £20m landmark project to build the Welsh Assembly Government's regional office at Llandudno Junction in North Wales, a £6m contract to build a mixed-use scheme in Macclesfield on behalf of Quorum Developments and £9m contract to develop Morson International's new offices in Salford.

Jonathan Pochin, managing director, commented: "This restructuring of our division sends a direct message to the market that we are a strong and robust company, which is still winning key contracts even in this challenging market. Our ability to deliver complex and large-scale projects is unsurpassed and we are confident we will emerge from this period a stronger and better-structured company.

"In any difficult market, there comes opportunity. We felt that there was a niche in the market for smaller end jobs, where developers are looking for a contractor with a strong track record and backing, with the ability to see the job through."

Pochin reported pre-tax profit of £2.3m, down sharply from £9.0m in 2007, on a flat turnover of £115m, for the year to the end of May 2008.