BOSSES at the construction and engineering giant AMEC were celebrating yesterday after seeing pre-tax profits jump 18 per cent to £32.4m in the first half of the year.

Although the last year has seen hard times for the firm's off-shore operations in the North-East, a strategic investment in North America has seen the firm's operating profit increase by 22 per cent to £7.9m.

Chief executive Peter Mason said: "In the first half of 2000, each of our business sectors continued to perform well and we made significant progress in the implementation of the firm's strategy."

Profits before tax were up 18 per cent to £32.4m, and only last week AMEC developments successfully let all available space at its flagship £170m Quayside scheme in Newcastle.