Turnover and profit have fallen heavily at demolition firm Brown and Mason for the year ended 30 April 2009

Pre-tax profit at the London-based subcontractor, which also specialises in asbestos removal, sank to 拢719,402, a fall of 49% from 拢1.4m reported the previous year. Turnover fell 37% from 拢31m to 拢19m.

The results are a further indication that demolition firms, which are involved early in the construction cycle, are suffering ahead of others in the downturn. Last month, Essex-based John F Hunt revealed a 28% drop in turnover to 拢26m.

A statement accompanying the financial results said: 鈥淚t is fair to say that 2008/09 was one of the most challenging economic environments in recent history. Against this backdrop the directors are pleased that turnover remained healthy at just under 拢20m.鈥�

Despite the tough trading conditions, Brown and Mason managed to boost its net assets to 拢7.6m. A 25% cut in staff numbers from 201 to 152 reduced wage costs by 拢1.5m, with the highest paid director taking a 拢50,000 pay cut to 拢310,999.

Directors at the firm remain optimistic, with the statement adding that the company鈥檚 pipeline of projects 鈥渞emains strong on the back of further contract wins鈥�.

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