INTERNATIONAL engineering and construction business AMEC has seen profits rise by 18 per cent, and break the £100m barrier for the first time.

The group, of Northwich, Cheshire, works in a variety of areas, including oil and gas, power, infrastructure, outsourcing and public private partnerships.

It saw pre-tax profits rise to £116.7m in the year to December 31, compared with £98m previously, boosted by a strong performance in its client support services, which grew by 30 per cent.

Chairman, Sydney Gillibrand CBE, said: "AMEC has delivered another good set of results and continues to strengthen its business and improve the quality of its earnings."