Alan Belfield
Consultant Arup has seen its revenue increase to £1.7bn in 2019, as it eyes further development in data use and AI.
The business, which has published its annual accounts for the year to 31 March 2019, said it had performed well across all of its regions and markets during the period, despite a “turbulent global picture”.
Revenue increased 9.9% while operating profit (before staff profit-sharing) was £135.4m. Pre-tax profit in 2019 was £28.7m, down from £105.3m in 2018.
Arup chairman Alan Belfield, who was appointed to his role in April this year having previously served as chief operating officer, said that digital technology was an area of “significant development” for the company.
“We’re making huge strides forward in the way we collect, manage and use data to inform everything we do. We are also rapidly expanding our use of automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve new and greater problems,” he said.
“Enhanced modelling techniques are making designs for ground-breaking structures like the Forest Tower in Denmark possible. Machine learning is helping us to implement more effective flood management strategies, with benefits for vulnerable communities around the world. Meanwhile, blockchain technology is allowing young homeless people in Berlin to access critical services without the need for bank accounts or credit cards.”
Arup employs a 15,000-strong team around the world, which works across advisory, planning, engineering, design and management services.
