Erith profit dips despite jump in turnover

Demolition specialist Erith has reported a 4 per cent drop in annual profit despite a double-digit turnover boost, saying growth was hampered by rising costs.

The London-based firm, which is the UK’s largest demolition contractor, recorded a pre-tax profit of £8m in the year to the end of September 2025. This compares with an £8.4m haul the year before.

The drop came despite turnover in the group’s latest year hitting £285m, up 12 per cent on the previous year.

Erith’s bottom line was affected by a 12 per cent rise in costs to £256.4m, the accounts revealed.

This contributed to the pre-tax margin shrinking from 3.7 per cent to 2.8 per cent.

Erith had 577 staff in its latest financial year, up from 553.

Chair Steve Darsey said the results “reflect our management strategy to grow the business while maintaining profitability”.

Erith’s group activities include demolition, land remediation, asbestos removal, waste handling and recycling.

In 2023, the firm was one of 10 demolition contractors to be hit with collective fines totalling £59.3m for their involvement in bid rigging. Erith repaid its £17.6m fine two and a half years early.

Looking ahead, the group said it expects to maintain its current level of turnover this year due to a “strong forward order book”.