Liverpool civil and structural engineering consultancy Sutcliffe reports 8% rise in revenues but say higher tax burden squeezes margins. Tony McDonough reports
Civil and structural engineering consultancy Sutcliffe said revenues have risen 8% to £6.5m to the end of September 2025.
However, Liverpool-based Sutcliffe added profit growth has been limited to just 1.6% as a direct result of increased tax burdens introduced in the most recent Budget.
Sutcliffe explained: “This disparity between turnover and profit growth highlights a challenge facing construction businesses across the region, where labour-intensive operations are particularly exposed to employment tax rises.”
Sutcliffe employs 65 people in teams across Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, London, and the Midlands, with the National Insurance uplift affecting every engineer, surveyor, and administrator on its payroll.
Chief executive Sean Keyes added: “We’re pleased to report an 8% increase in turnover, reflecting the continued strength of demand for high-quality consulting engineering and surveying services across the North West.
“While we’re securing significant framework positions and delivering major projects in housing, healthcare, and education, the reality is that rising employment taxes are placing real pressure on our ability to convert this growth into sustainable profit.”
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Sutcliffe is involved in the design of around 4,000 homes annually across the UK. Growth in its Liverpool city region heartland and expanding Greater Manchester operations, has seen strong demand across its housing, healthcare, and education sectors.
However, the National Insurance contribution increases announced in the Autumn Budget have significantly impacted the company’s ability to convert revenue growth into sustainable profit margins.
Despite the financial pressures, Sutcliffe has secured positions on several major frameworks including the North West Construction Hub and Torus, representing a combined lifetime value of £4-5bn and anticipated fees of £15m.