Public spending should buoy revenues at Balfour Beatty and Kier in spite of the deepening construction downturn, the companies said.

In interim management statements yesterday, the companies, whose businesses are now weighted towards transport, health, education and support services, said that results for the year should remain in line with expectations.

Analysts see Balfour Beatty’s pre-tax profits dipping from £270m last year to £256m this year and next, while Kier’s are expected to fall from £63m in 2008 to £51m this year and £54m in 2010.

Financial Times, The Times