Scott Wilson gained after the design and engineering consultancy said the performance of its joint ventures will be ahead of previous indications providing confidence that overall the group will, at least, meet current expectations.The underlying business performance of the group continues to be consistent with current market expectations, it added.'The prospects for our international business remain good with continued strong growth in China, India and Eastern Europe and in the power and mining sectors,' said the group.'In the UK the outlook is much less clear and likely to remain so until well after the general election and the identification by a new government of its priorities for the next five years.''However, we remain confident that with the balance of overseas work and a high proportion of long term frameworks, coupled with our ability to continue to review our resources and react accordingly, we are well placed to cope with changing market conditions,' it added.