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Civil and structural engineering firm Sutcliffe has reported a "bumper" start to 2021 - including a 5% increase in profits, big project wins and three new directors.

Despite the economic "slow down" due to the pandemic, the consultancy firm with offices in Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and London is "well on track" for another record year-end.

The 5% increase was reported for the first half of its financial year to March 2021, with the firm set to mark five years of growth as well as a construction value of £250m already secured for this year.

Sutcliffe has also appointed three new directors to its board - promoting Jacqui Johnson to communications director, Anoop Jayakkar to technical director and Ian Robinson to finance director.

Sean Keyes, managing director, Sutcliffe, said: “These figures represent a very strong first half for Sutcliffe and it would not be possible without hard work, graft and great people. I am immensely proud of the team which has continued to demonstrate great resilience and drive against the most unusual and challenging of times for our industry and country.

“Strengthened by our three new directors - who boast a combined 70 years of experience - we now look forward with confidence to a year of continued growth. I am expecting our sector to flourish post-pandemic and with a strong and experienced team in place, Sutcliffe is in the perfect position to ride the crest of the wave when the boom arrives.”

He added: "We will continue to collaborate and utilise our contacts across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, as well as maximising our reputation as leaders in the healthcare and housing sectors."

Recent project wins for the engineering firm include extensive geo-environmental investigations for Salford City Council at Riverside Palace Fields, a major housing development at the Knoll & Uplands in Runcorn, the Jubilee Centre for Bolton Council, redevelopment at Pemberton Primary School for Wigan Council, and a large new build housing development in Anglesey, Wales.

Sutcliffe also welcomes seasoned structural engineer, Graham Swanson, as its new associate designate in the structures team, Mike Armes as senior technician and Michael Wiggins as graduate environmental technician, representing a 5% rise in headcount since 2020.