BUILDING firm George Wimpey, which has sites across the region, has unveiled a sharp surge in profits, after benefiting from the property boom.
Wimpey said the acquisition of McAlpine Homes, bought in October last year in a £450m deal, had also contributed to a 63 per cent increase in interim pre-tax profits to £86m.
Despite fears that the housing boom could be about to end, Wimpey said its prospects remained strong and that full-year figures would beat hopes.
The optimism was reflected in a 50 per cent increase in the value of its UK order book at the end of August.
Chairman John Robinson said: "We are very pleased with these results. The integration of McAlpine Homes has been successfully completed as promised and the benefits have exceeded our expectations."
In the North-East, George Wimpey North has a strong forward order book, with the housing market remaining healthy.
The number of outlets open was 14 per cent higher, helping UK housing turnover lift 55 per cent to £793m and operating profits rise 68 per cent to £90.5m.
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