Highways maintenance and improvement work was one of the few bright spots for North Midland Construction in a disappointing set of half-year results this week.Chairman Robert Moyle said: "In spite of the public sector expenditure cuts, the Highways division increased both revenue and profit by 21.7% and 78.7% respectively."Geographical consolidation has continued and the division has a strong presence with several public sector frameworks.  Year end forecasts will be achieved and the current workload for the second half of the year is £10 million."Across the group, pre-tax profits fell to £1.3m from £2m despite turnover increasing 17% to £91.3m.