30th Aug 2013 07:00
30th August 2013
Sweett Group plc
("Sweett Group", the "Company" or "the Group")
AGM Trading Update
Michael Henderson, Chairman of Sweett Group, will make the following statement on the Group's current trading at the Annual General Meeting to be held later today.
"Following the trading update released on 22nd July, I am particularly pleased to inform shareholders that your Company continues to perform strongly and that the Board anticipates that the Group's results for the year ending 31st March 2014 will exceed management expectations. The performance for the remainder of the first half of the current year is encouraging across all of our operating regions, including a greater level of activity in our domestic UK market. As a result, I can report that the improved trading in the first quarter of this financial year announced on 22nd July is showing evidence of continuing in the second quarter. Furthermore, we are confident that the outlook for Sweett is very positive.
"The current order book is £102.5m (August 2012: £90.2m). Net debt at the end of July 2013 stood at £6.3m with an expectation of further reduction being achieved by 31st March 2014 and improvement in lock-up continues to be pursued vigorously.
"Looking to the future, Sweett continues to make strong progress. This is being driven by focused management, execution of the 3 year strategic plan and improved market conditions. Our prospects for the medium and longer term also look good and we have every confidence that this momentum will be maintained. It is my belief that within the next two years Sweett Group can grow to a £100m turnover business with margins recovering to 7-8%. The Board looks forward to providing a further update in mid-October 2013 following the end of the half year."
A presentation will be given to shareholders present at the meeting which will be made available on the Company's website www.sweettgroup.comfollowing the conclusion of the meeting.
- Ends -
For further information:
Sweett GroupDean Webster, Chief Executive Officer +44 20 7061 9000Chris Goscomb, Chief Financial Officer +44 20 7061 9000
Sophie Hull, Head, Corporate Communications +44 20 7061 9102
Westhouse Securities
Tom Griffiths, Paul Gillam +44 20 7601 6100
FTI ConsultingBilly Clegg, Oliver Winters, +44 20 7831 3113
About Sweett Group
Sweett Group plc is a global business with expertise in property and infrastructure professional services. Our services include programme and project management, cost management, advisory and PPP related consultancy.
We aim to forge long term, successful relationships with all stakeholders in the property and infrastructure industry. "Global knowhow, local delivery" is the essence of our business and our reach enables us to put global best practice to use in the local markets we serve.
www.sweettgroup.com
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