DRIVER Goup, the Lancashire headquartered international consultant to the construction and engineering industries, is optimistic for the year ahead, despite difficult trading in Africa and America.
The AIM-listed group, based in Rossendale, said its performance was under-pinned by the strength of its two biggest regions, Europe and Middle East, while Asia Pacific is seeing good growth, thanks to investment made there during 2013.
Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific together account for 90% of group revenues, giving the group confidence for the year.
Chairman Alan McClue said: "Africa and America have had a slow start to the year. In Africa, we have been impacted by the suspension at the start of the year, by the South African government, of the three hospital PPP projects.
"In addition, the current exchange rate of the Rand to Sterling is having an impact on margins. In America, we are seeing that our relationships in the Oil & Gas sector are helping us win business across our global regions. However, within America workloads remain subdued, and whilst this will impact H1 performance, actions are in place to bring the cost base of the business in line with revised revenue estimates and protect current year end profit expectations for the region."
He added: "In summary, the group overall continues to perform in line with management expectations due to the encouraging performance of our largest regions in Europe and the Middle East. This gives me continued confidence in the remainder of the year."
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