Morgan Sindall managing director Graham Shennan

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall built up sales last year against a backdrop of challenging trading conditions.

The company, with offices in Smeeth, near Ashford, has reported year-end revenue to December 31 up 6% to £2.227bn (2010: £2.102bn).

Profit before tax, amortisation (the reduction of the value of an asset) and exceptional items fell back to £45.3m (2010 - £51.3m).

The group announced a 42p dividend, the same as the previous year.

Its forward order book stands at £3.4bn (2010: £3.6bn) with a growing regeneration pipeline of £1.8bn (2010: £1.4bn).

In Kent, Morgan Sindall is building a £2m sports hall at Skinners' School, Tunbridge Wells, and recently completed the new Ashford Gateway, library and community facility for Kent County Council.

The scheme involved demolishing the town's library in Church Road and replacing it with a new building that houses a library, new civil ceremony venue and a wide range of community services.

Managing director Graham Shennan said: "Morgan Sindall will focus on growing our market share and maintaining and improving our market-leading positions throughout 2012.

"This will be underpinned by our proven track record, strong local presence and a relentless focus on both an exceptional customer experience and safety."