Making an impact from World Cup to music hall

The North-East division of BAM Construction increased the figure by more than 30m after reporting a turnover of 150m in 2008, compared with the high of 183m in 2007.

In addition, the firm had a record 41 operational sites during the year, including more than 25 in Yorkshire, and provided work for just under 1,500 people.

Nationally, the company reported a turnover of just over 1bn.

James Wimpenny, director of BAM Construction in the North-East, said: "The market continues to be very challenging.

"We have had a good year despite the funding issues with the Learning and Skills Council affecting some of our clients' projects.

"It says a great deal for the resourcefulness of our people that we have stood up to these challenges well."

BAM's global portfolio of schemes includes the Berlin O2 Arena and Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, host venue for this summer's World Cup final.

In Yorkshire, it was responsible for Leeds Metropolitan University's Rose Bowl building, and it is currently leading refurbishment work at the Leeds City Varieties music hall.

Earlier this month, BAM was named the preferred building contractor for the 55m Leeds Arena scheme by Leeds City Council.

The new arena will feature a "super theatre" design, which guarantees every seat in the house enjoys perfect sightlines.

Demolition of an old Leeds Metropolitan University tower block, on the arena's Clay Pit Lane site, was completed last summer. Building work should be completed in late 2012.

Meanwhile, BAM is about to complete the new Carnegie Pavilion, in Headingley, Leeds.

The 4,000 square metre facility will be used jointly by Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Metropolitan University, operating as a cricket pavilion and hi-tech media centre during the summer and a teaching site during the academic year.

The company is also involved in the development of a health care centre in Sheffield with a suite of buildings under the ProCure21 programme. It is also refurbishing the iconic Arts Tower for Sheffield University. It is also constructing four new academic buildings for York University and a community project for Selby. Last year, it refurbished Harrogate Royal Hall and built Leeds University's Centre for the Earth and Environment.

Last year, the company recorded its best health and safety performance and won a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. It also trained more than 350 supervisors in behavioural safety during the year.

Mr Wimpenny said: "We have always been very committed to how we deal with our clients, our communities and our people. That attitude is reflected in the quality of the work we deliver and explains why we can work on something as delicate and well loved as the City Varieties and as large and prestigious as the new arena."

Last week BAM, which is part of Royal BAM Group, reported its carbon footprint had reduced for two years in succession.

Great expectations for Leeds Arena

Experts estimate the 13,500-capacity Leeds Arena will generate around 25m a year for the city's economy.

BAM has pledged to create more than 100 new construction jobs, with a fifth going to people living in Little London and other areas close to the arena's Clay Pit Lane site;

It will also sub-contract work for more than 20 Leeds businesses and initiate 60 new apprenticeships.

In addition, the firm plans to open up the construction site for regular educational visits from schools and colleges.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is contributing 10m to the cost of the 55m arena, with the remainder coming from the council.

The city's current lack of a top-flight indoor music concert venue means tours regularly bypass the city in favour of regional rivals such as Manchester and Sheffield.