Private work is the way ahead for Mitie boss

The boss of outsourcing group Mitie today said she was focused on winning work in the private sector simply because it takes far longer to bid for state and local authority contracts.

"We do see increased opportunities in our public sector areas, predominantly justice and healthcare, in the next two to three years," said Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive of the company that runs security at Britain's courts.

"But it takes longer to bid for work and win work in the public sector," she added.

Mitie's order book rose by £400 million to hit £6.8 billion in the year to April.

The group's pre-tax profit grew 9% to £86.8 million.