Vp expects to report full-year profits in line with expectations after navigating what it described as a \u201cchallenging\u201d trading environment, with resilience in infrastructure markets helping to offset continued softness in housebuilding.<\/p>\n
The specialist equipment rental group said profits for the year ended 31 March 2026 are expected to come in between \u00a326m and \u00a329m, consistent with its previously revised guidance.<\/p>\n
Demand across key infrastructure segments remains supportive. Electricity transmission work continues to grow in both the UK and Europe, while rail activity is steady, albeit subdued, with visibility over future project pipelines. In water, early signs of improvement are emerging as the AMP8 investment cycle progresses, with the group expressing confidence in stronger revenues into FY27.<\/p>\n
By contrast, conditions in construction remain uneven. Specialist construction markets, particularly in London and the Republic of Ireland, have proven relatively resilient. However, housebuilding activity continues to lag, though Vp pointed to improved longer-term prospects linked to the rollout of Homes England\u2019s Social and Affordable Homes Programme.<\/p>\n
The company said the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict has so far been limited to higher fuel costs, which have largely been offset through pricing measures.<\/p>\n
Since taking over as chief executive, Alice Woodwark<\/span> has focused on tightening operational performance and advancing the group\u2019s strategic priorities. This has included increasing collaboration across divisions, sharpening the focus on specialist infrastructure markets and progressing digital initiatives aimed at improving pricing and customer service.<\/p>\n Vp also confirmed that its transformation programme at Brandon Hire Station is now largely complete, with a reduced branch network and lower headcount delivering expected efficiency gains.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, the group said its diversified business model and strong balance sheet position it well despite mixed market conditions. It added that leverage remains within target levels, supporting continued disciplined investment.<\/p>\n Woodwark said the company had delivered \u201ca disciplined performance and good strategic progress,\u201d adding that its focus on infrastructure, efficiency and digital development would help it manage near-term uncertainty while building longer-term value.<\/p>\n \n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Equipment rental group holds profits in line despite uneven markets, with infrastructure demand offsetting construction weakness and a strategic reset beginning to take<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":271992,"featured_media":2144935,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262,120821,128805,120781],"coauthors":[137100],"class_list":["post-2153276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-construction","category-infrastructure","category-markets","tag-featured-story","tag-yorkshire"],"yoast_head":"\n