THE BUSINESS
Engineering consultancy
THIS company is the largest engineering consultancy in Britain, and one of the biggest in the world. Formerly known as WS Atkins, it was founded by Sir William Atkins in 1938. Its most famous project was Dubai's Burj Al Arab, the third-highest hotel in the world. At present, the company's most high-profile contract is the London 2012 Olympics. Others include Crossrail, the M25 widening and the London Overground. Atkins has 18,000 staff in 25 countries.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Keith Clarke
AS a champion of road building, chief executive Keith Clarke makes an unlikely eco-warrior, yet he has been the driving force behind Atkins's involvement in many green projects, including a 66-storey tower in the Dubai International Finance Centre, nicknamed the Lighthouse. Less impressive was the company's £130m loss as a shareholder in Metronet, the Tube maintenance firm - a saga that cost Clarke his annual bonus.
THE RESULTS
Resilient in tough times
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ON Wednesday, the company should post a resilient set of full-year figures. Analysts predict a 6% increase in profits before tax to £98m despite the economic backdrop. The company's rail and highway unit (40% of revenues) has been strongest. The outlook is positive but there are concerns about payments from the Middle East, where Atkins helped to build the Bahrain World Trade Centre, which has three huge wind turbines incorporated into its structure.
THE OUTLOOK
Fears over cuts in public sector
SHARES in Atkins, which was named the official engineering consultant for the 2012 London Olympics, have dropped nearly 50% this year to 543p, giving the company a market value of £554m. Investors fear Atkins is overexposed to the public sector, where big cuts in spending are expected. However, the company has £220m of cash on its balance sheet and a strong management team, which should ensure another good year.