The results also showed a 13% increase in net fee income to £1.1bn and a 34% rise in cash at bank to £176.8 million, while EBITDA grew by 3% to £122.4m.

Alan Ryder, RSK’s founder and chief executive, said that despite “changing rhetoric around the global sustainability agenda”, market demand has remained strong, with opportunities continuing to increase at pace.

The group’s growth strategy, which included 11 acquisitions across the UK, Australia, and Africa, is focused on creating long-term value. Interim CFO Frank Herlihy commented that heavy investment in organic growth and acquisitions will enhance the group’s capabilities and expand its geographic footprint, with the benefits to be “realised in the medium to long term”.

Mr Herlihy highlighted the strength of RSK’s diversification across its four core markets. The water sector, accounting for 43% of revenue, grew by 25%. The energy and built/natural environment sectors each represented 21% of revenue, growing at 9% and 14% respectively. Infrastructure was the fastest-growing segment, expanding by 36% to account for 14% of total group revenue.

Looking ahead, the board plans to capitalise on strong market conditions by targeting continued growth in both revenue and EBITDA. RSK will also pursue further acquisitions to develop its end-to-end sustainable solutions offering in its core markets.