Record Financial Performance
County Durham construction company Esh Group has announced record results for 2025, with pre-tax profits trebling from £5m to £15m and turnover increasing by 17% to £311m. The group achieved a pre-tax margin of 4.8%, its highest ever cash balance exceeding £58m, and the largest annual investment in plant, machinery, vehicles, technology, and operational systems.
Strategic Transformation Pays Off
Esh Group, one of the largest privately-owned construction firms in the North East, operates across civil engineering, affordable housing, commercial build, and private housebuilding divisions. In recent years, the company targeted sectors with lower risk profiles, a strategy that has significantly boosted its bottom line. The group works with private housing developers, local authorities, registered affordable housing providers, and utility and environmental companies.
Expansion into Yorkshire and the Humber
During the year, Esh expanded its footprint across Yorkshire and the Humber, securing a place on YORhub’s civil engineering major works framework for the first time. The company also advanced its land-led housing delivery model. In the North East, it renewed its position as a primary supplier on the North East Procurement Organisation’s (NEPO) civil engineering and infrastructure framework.
CEO Comments on Success
Chief executive Andy Radcliffe attributed the record profitability to strong demand from core markets, disciplined contract selection, risk management, and quality delivery. He stated: “2025’s performance is clear evidence that our strategically designed business model has given the group solid foundations for sustainable long-term growth. This success, though, is built on the strength of our people, who work exceptionally hard to delight our clients and live our values each day. I am immensely proud of what they have, and continue to achieve.”
Infrastructure and Housing Milestones
Esh’s infrastructure division reached the halfway point in the restoration of the Tyne Bridge and completed the Stockton Waterfront urban park, one of the North East’s most significant regeneration schemes. In the housing division, the company is set to deliver nearly 2,000 new affordable homes for registered providers across the North East and Yorkshire. The group generated £32.6m in economic value, emphasizing its commitment to social, economic, and environmental impact.
Outlook for the Future
Mr Radcliffe added: “Looking ahead, visibility of our future workload remains exceptionally strong, supported by long-term framework agreements and mutually beneficial, collaborative relationships with our valued clients and trusted supply chain partners, for whom we remain extremely grateful. We continue to actively pursue additional opportunities and are poised for another successful year.”
