Costain forecasts step change in performance as order book holds at £7bn

Costain has reported higher first-half revenue and profit as the contractor forecasts a step change in financial performance from 2027.

Results for the six months to 30 June 2026 show revenue increased to £543.1m, up from £525.4m in the same period last year.

Pre-tax profit also increased to £19.2m, compared with £18.2m in the first half of 2025.

Costain’s combined order book and preferred bidder book remains at a record £7bn, providing strong visibility over future workload.

Private and regulated customers now account for almost half of the forward order book, while the contractor said it currently has no single-stage lump sum contracts in its portfolio.

The business has also expanded into key target markets including the Great Grid Upgrade and new reservoir infrastructure.

Chief executive Alex Vaughan said Costain expects growth during the second half of 2026, followed by a stronger improvement in financial performance from 2027 onwards.