Watkin Jones has said it expects to announce a ‘small operating profit’ in its half year results next month.

The student housing and build-to-rent specialist said it has focused on “delivery, cost management and cash generation” in a challenging market backdrop in the six months to 31 March.

In a short trading update today it said: “Our strong operational focus is expected to result in a small positive operating profit for the period, with good construction delivery on in-build schemes which have traded in line with our stated margin guidance.”