As expected at Interserve

Building maintenance and services group Interserve is trading in line with expectations and ahead of last year's operating performance.The company's forward order book has grown from the £6.5bn reported at the end of 2008, which includes 60% of anticipated 2010 revenues.Trading remains "encouraging" in the public and privatised sectors, which have made up about 75% of revenue for the first half of 2009.But the firm admitted the private sector environment in the UK remains weak and has left business at its facilities management and specialist services below last year's equivalent.Sterling's weakness has helped international operations, which now generate more than half of the group's profits. The Middle East construction and equipment services business has done particularly well."The board remains confident in the group's ability to maintain robust near-term performance and sustained long-term growth," said the company ahead of interim figures due on 11 August.