But firm reports increase trading in line with expectations as it reveals place on 拢1.2bn Gatwick framework

Morgan Sindall confirmed a drop in operating margins today as a result of an increasingly competitive marketplace.

好色先生TV of the fall-off was included in the company鈥檚 trading update for the six months to 30 June, which revealed the firm is trading in line with expectations and has a healthy forward order book.

The statement added: 鈥淥verall we have had a positive first half of 2011 and, with our track record in growth sectors, broad sector spread and depth of capabilities, we remain well positioned to face the challenges ahead and to benefit from opportunities as they arise.鈥

During the period the construction division was successful in securing positions on a number of number of frameworks including places on two lots of the 拢500m Smarte East Alliance framework and on the 拢400m, four-year South East Wales Schools Capital Working Group framework.

The division also secured major civil engineering projects including, in joint venture, the 拢235m Crossrail Whitechapel and Liverpool Street Station Tunnels contract.

The firm also announced it had won a place on the 拢1.2bn four year framework to upgrade Gatwick Airport. Morgan Sindall will compete with nine other contractors for individual schemes.

Chief executive Paul Smith said: 鈥淲e are delighted to extend our relationship with Gatwick and secure a position on its latest framework.

鈥淗aving highlighted the airport sector as one which offers growth potential for our Group, it is pleasing to capitalise on opportunities such as this which help develop our position in the sector.鈥