A building subcontractor revealed a fall in profits as many construction companies delayed projects ahead of the Brexit vote.

However, Roe Timberframe, based in Margate, said the sector has since enjoyed a bounceback, with sales exceeding forecasts.

The company, which employs about 100 people, suffered a 9% drop in turnover to £13.1 million in the year to the end of April, its latest accounts show.

As a result pre-tax profits declined by 28% to £824,000.

In his company report, owner Darren Roe said: “Despite having a strong order book and a growing number of inquiries, sales were slow to start as contractors were delaying projects, awaiting the outcome of the Brexit vote.

"The company took the view that this was a short-term issue and maintained resources to be able to cope with the anticipated change in market conditions.

"This has been borne out by the start of the current financial year where strong demand is being reflected in the sales to date which exceed forecasts by 11% and well ahead of the previous year."