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Paul Hamer, chief executive of engineering consultant WYG, has spoken of the 鈥渉uge difference鈥� its restructured balance sheet has made when bidding for work.

The deal, which was voted through by shareholders last month, saw its debt-pile cut in half to about 拢50m and its banks take a 60% stake in the company via a debt-for-equity swap and share issue.

Speaking after the company announced its results for the six months to 31 December 2009 earlier this week, Hamer said the fact debt was at a 鈥渟ustainable level鈥� following its refinancing deal had had a positive effect.

He said: 鈥淭he financial position is one of the key factors when clients assess your strength and we now have that strength behind us.鈥�

He also pointed to the effect on WYG staff. 鈥淚t touches every part of the business including investors to staff, who now have a foundation of rock to stand on to go and win business.鈥�

In the six months to 31 December, turnover fell 20% to 拢115.2m while it made a post-exceptional loss of 拢4.6m.

David Brockton, an analyst at Arbuthnot Securities, said: 鈥淲ith a new management team, a successful financial restructure, and some signs of progress there is scope to be optimistic in the group's longer-term future.鈥�

Hamer also revealed that WYG plans to open offices in Croatia and South Africa within the next few months. He said the Croatian opening could be followed by an office in Serbia to drive its business in the Balkans. The company is expected to announce contract wins in the area shortly.

In the UK, Hamer said he had noticed a small pick-up in private sector work. 鈥淎ctivity levels have probably risen by 15% to 20% but in terms of that translating into workload it鈥檚 closer to a 5% increase.鈥�

He said other growth areas were largely 鈥渓egislation-driven鈥�, pointing to waste, asbestos removal, transport and environmental planning.