J Murphy & Sons targets "sustainable growth" as Yorkshire projects aid positive results

Operating profit for the group increased by 111 per cent, up to £45.7 million, while net cash increased by 27 per cent to £275.7 million.

The firm’s positive results were helped by a number of Yorkshire projects, including the commencement of work on the Sofia & Dogger Bank C offshore wind farm project.

J Murphy and Sons has also worked on the recent completion of the Huddersfield Energy and Recycling Facility for Yorkshire Water.

John Murphy, chief executive officer of J Murphy and Sons, said: "I am delighted to present another year of growth for Murphy, demonstrating a continuous, year-on-year improvement in our financial performance and operational delivery as we continue to play a central role in delivering world-class infrastructure.

“These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, our focus on sustainable business practices and our strong client relationships.

“As we approach our 75th anniversary in 2026, our vision to be the leading family-owned construction business in the three geographies in which we work is within reach, and we remain focused on delivering long-term sustainable growth and creating a positive and lasting legacy across our projects and the communities we serve.”

“Our direct delivery operating model, supported by a select supply chain, continues to be central to our unique offering. At a time when resources are increasingly a limiting factor across the industry, we give our clients heightened confidence of reliable delivery performance."

During the year, the group also increased its number of employees to 3,688, up from 3,579 the year prior.

The firm currently employs 298 people living in Yorkshire.

J Murphy and Sons also achieved 16.8 per cent carbon reduction between 2021 and 2022, its biggest ever annual reduction.

Since 2019, it has now reduced cumulative total emissions by 39.88 per cent.

The firm has set itself a target of achieving a 50 per cent reduction by 2026, and becoming net positive for all emissions by 2050.

The group says it has invested £34.5 million in “state-of-the-art, environmentally-conscious plant and equipment”.

This year, J Murphy and Sons has also worked on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, partnering with Network Rail, VolkerRail and Siemens.

The upgrade aims to deliver faster, longer, more frequent and more reliable services across the north of England, from Newcastle, Hull and York towards Manchester and Liverpool via Leeds.

The firm, which operates across the UK, as well as in Canada, has two permanent offices in Leeds, one of which houses the workshops of its Specialist Welding Services and Pipeline Testing Services teams