The President and CEO of engineering consultancy WSP has praised his staff for coping with the changes to work patterns due to Coronavirus, as he announces a small rise in first-quarter profits.

“The resilience our people have demonstrated as they transitioned almost immediately to a new way of working has been remarkable,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, the global giant’s President and CEO. “In addressing the complex and evolving challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority remains to ensure the health and safety of our employees, clients, and the communities in which we operate”

Global revenues for the first quarter of the year grew 4.4 per cent to US$1.7 billion compared to the same time last year. Profits are up slightly to $218.4 million and L’Heureux WSP has “entered this crisis in a strong position” and that he is “confident that, with our diversified business model, our engaged people and the disciplined management of our global business, we will come out of this pandemic on the other side an equally strong organisation.”