ENGINEERING and construction firm Amec has claimed the global economic slowdown could be a bonus for the group.

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

Chief executive Peter Mason said Amec was protected from the worst of the downturn as certain sectors, such as power, were immune to economic vagaries.

He said that the group expected more companies to look to outsourcing as a way of reducing costs.

He said: "Paradoxically, today's global economy is creating significant new opportunities for Amec."

Mr Mason's statements came as Amec reported turnover up for the six months to June 30, from £1.34bn last year to £1.63bn.

Pre-tax profits rose marginally from £29.2m to £29.7m, but the figures were hit by one-off costs caused by pulling out of several non-core interests.

Stripping out the charges, pre-tax profits were £38.8m, as against £32.4m last year.

Shareholders will get an interim dividend of 3.1p per share, up from 2.8p last year.