In February 2017, following Redrow's revelation of a 35% increase in pre-tax profits to £140 million, during a Radio 4 interview, Morgan defended the construction industry. He called the government's housing White Paper “disappointing”, and criticised its proposals for forcing house builders to surrender land if construction had not started within two years, which would dissuade small house builders. Morgan also announced in February 2017 when the firm acquired Derby house builder Radleigh Homes, which will form the basis of a new regional division, Redrow East Midlands, that Redrow expected to deliver a turnover of £1.9 billion by 2019, and an operating margin of 19.5%.