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Interim Results, Analyst Briefing & Investor Pres

26th Jan 2026 07:00

RNS Number : 2692Q
Van Elle Holdings PLC
26 January 2026
 

 

Van Elle Holdings plc

('Van Elle', the 'Company' or the 'Group')

 

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 October 2025

Analyst Briefing and Investor Presentation

 

Market conditions remained challenging in H1, but the Group remains in a very strong position to benefit from expected market improvements in the energy, water and residential sectors

 

Van Elle Holdings plc, the UK's largest ground engineering contractor, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2025 (the 'Period').

 

Note: Van Elle Canada Inc. is classified as a discontinued operation and is excluded from the Group's financial results, which are presented below as continuing operations. The prior year comparatives have been restated accordingly. As previously announced, the disposal of Van Elle Canada Inc. completed on 19 December 2025.

 

 

All KPI's are presented on a continuing basis

£m

6 months

ended

31 October 2025

6 months

ended

31 October 2024

Restated3

Revenue

73.4

63.4

Underlying EBITDA 1

5.7

6.1

Underlying operating profit

2.0

2.2

Underlying operating profit margin

2.8%

3.4%

Operating profit

1.8

2.0

Underlying profit before taxation

1.9

2.2

Profit before taxation

1.7

2.0

Underlying basic earnings per share (p)

1.4

1.5

Basic earnings per share (p)

1.2

1.4

Net funds (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) 2

2.8

3.1

Net (debt)/ funds

(2.1)

(2.1)

Underlying return on capital employed

10.4%

11.4%

Interim dividend per share (p)

0.4

0.4

1 Underlying EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

2 IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities as at 31 October 2025 were £4.9m (31 October 2024: £5.1m).

3 Results for the 6 months ended 31 October 2024 are restated as detailed in notes 8 and 10.

 

Period highlights

 

· Resilient performance delivered against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and continued market headwinds in end markets.

· Revenue from continuing operations of £73.4m (H1 FY2025: £63.4m), representing a 16% year-on-year increase driven by General Piling and Specialist Piling & Rail.

· Underlying profit before tax for continuing operations of £1.9m (H1 FY2025: £2.2m).

· Continued strong performance in Specialist Piling and Rail segment, with strengthened position in the energy and water sectors, including the completion of the Group's 150th high-voltage substation project.

· Underlying operating profit margin of 2.8% driven by product mix which is expected to improve in the second half with more higher margin, complex projects mobilising.

· Performance in General Piling and Ground Engineering Services reflects challenging market conditions and competitive landscape.

· Impact of the Building Safety Act approval delays continued to impact revenues in the high-rise residential market, delaying numerous projects and resulting in further losses in H1 in the Group's London operations.

· Disposal of Van Elle Canada in December 2025.

· Net funds as at 31 October 2025 (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) of £2.8m (31 October 2024: £3.1m, 30 April 2025: £1.1m).

· Refinancing underway with £10m asset lending facility in place.

· Interim dividend unchanged at 0.4 pence per share.

 

Outlook

 

· Order book has increased 8% to £44.9m as at 31 October 2025 (31 October 2024: £41.6m) excluding framework agreements and preferred bidder positions.

· Market conditions remain challenging, but the Group is in a strong position to benefit from anticipated improvements across several of its core markets.

· Significant potential in the energy sector, with visibility of at least £40m expected annual revenue through long term frameworks from FY28.

· The residential sector is expected to recover in the medium term, supported by the Government's commitments to increase housing supply. Recent measures aimed at addressing delays associated with the Building Safety Act are forecast to stabilise performance in the Group's London operations from Q4. The Group has seen a four-fold increase in Gateway 2 approvals in Q3 compared to Q2.

· Group is well positioned to benefit from the increasing activity levels in the rail and water sectors, underpinned by the substantial committed spends for the CP7 and AMP8 regulatory cycles respectively.

· The Board remains confident in achieving market expectations for the full year1.

 

1 Company compiled analyst consensus for FY2026 underlying profit before tax is £3.0m.

 

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, commented:

"We are pleased with the progress made during the first half of the year, and despite the challenges faced in the wider industry, the Group is starting to see signs of recovery in its core markets. With a strategic focus on increasing exposure to energy and water, alongside early signs of improving housing and residential market confidence, the Group is well positioned to deliver strong growth over the medium term.

 

"The disposal of our Canadian operations in December allows us to focus on the significant prospects in the UK with clear capital allocation priorities, supported by a growing number of strategic customer partnerships and long-term frameworks."

 

 

Analyst Briefing: 10.00am on Monday 26 January 2026

 

An online briefing for Analysts will be held at 10.00am today. Analysts interested in attending should contact Walbrook PR on [email protected] or 020 7933 8780.

 

 

Investor Presentation: 3.30pm on Monday 26 January 2026

 

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive Officer, and Graeme Campbell, Chief Financial Officer, will hold a presentation to review the results and outlook at 3.30pm today. The presentation will be hosted through the digital platform Investor Meet Company.

 

Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet Van Elle Holdings plc via the following link https://www.investormeetcompany.com/van-elle-holdings-plc/register-investor. Investors who have already registered and added to meet the Company will automatically be invited.

 

Questions can be submitted pre-event to [email protected] or in real time during the presentation via the "Ask a Question" function.

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Van Elle Holdings plc

Mark Cutler, Chief Executive Officer

Graeme Campbell, Chief Financial Officer

Via Walbrook

 

 

Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser and corporate broker)

Ed Allsopp

Charlotte Sutcliffe

Tom Graham

Tel: 020 7418 8900

 

 

Dowgate Capital Limited (Joint Broker)

James Serjeant

Dan Ingram

Tel: 020 3903 7715

 

 

Walbrook PR Limited

Tel: 020 7933 8780

or [email protected]

Tom Cooper

Nick Rome

07971 221 972

07748 325 236

 

 

About Van Elle Holdings plc:

 

Van Elle Holdings is the UK's largest specialist geotechnical engineering contractor. Formed in 1984 and listed on AIM in 2016, the Company provides a wide range of ground engineering techniques and services including ground investigation, general and specialist piling, rail geotechnical engineering, modular foundations, and ground improvement and stabilisation services.

 

Van Elle operates through three divisions: General Piling, Specialist Piling and Rail, and Ground Engineering Services; and is focused on diverse end markets including residential and housing, infrastructure and regional construction - across which the Group has completed more than 20,000 projects over the last 35 years.

Van Elle Holdings plc - Interim Report to 31 October 2025

 

Results overview

The Group's unaudited results for continuing operations in the Period are in line with the Board's expectations and reflect a resilient operational performance despite the challenging market conditions. Revenue for continuing operations in the Period increased by 16% to £73.4m (HY2025: £63.4m, restated to exclude Van Elle Canada Inc.), primarily driven through improving volumes within General Piling, and benefitting from Albion Drilling which was acquired in October 2024.

 

In the Infrastructure sector, the Group has strengthened its position in energy and water sectors, where the medium-term opportunity is significant. In Energy, the Group is progressing ground investigation, design and construction workstreams on two major transmission schemes for Wood Group, and initial work has commenced on its first transmission projects for M-Group and National Grid. It also recorded the completion of its 150th high voltage substation project, the majority with its modular ScrewFast system. In Water, Strata Geotechnics has secured a place on United Utilities' AMP8 ground investigation framework, and several wastewater treatment schemes are underway with Galliford Try, Kier and Costain.

 

Rail sector activity was below expectations because of lower spend during the early stages of CP7 although supported by our strong position on the TransPennine Route Upgrade project.

 

The Residential market remained subdued in the Period. Continued economic uncertainty and the late Budget impacted housebuilding volumes, particularly in the private housing market. In the high-rise market, the impact of the Building Safety Act has caused significant delays to the commencement of numerous high-rise schemes, particularly in London. Recent commitments to clear the gateway 2 backlog and introduce staged applications are very encouraging, and the Group has seen a four-fold increase in approvals in Q3 compared to Q2.

The Regional Construction market continues to be very competitive. Notwithstanding the softer market conditions, sector revenue increased primarily due to the large Sheffield Forgemasters project, which is currently in progress.

 

Van Elle Canada Inc. is classified as a discontinued operation and is excluded from the Group's financial results on a continuing basis. As previously announced, the disposal of Van Elle Canada Inc. completed on 19 December 2025. Under new ownership, Van Elle Canada will have access to greater local resources to pursue the considerable opportunities identified in Ontario and beyond, and to build on the progress made since Van Elle entered the Canadian market in 2023. Van Elle's rail division will continue to provide advisory services to Van Elle Canada under a consultancy agreement.

Net funds as at 31 October 2025 (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) increased from the year end to £2.8m (30 April 2025: £1.1m). Working capital decreased by £1.5m in the Period, supported by the receipt of £1.2m of delayed R&D tax credits. Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment was £5.5m, primarily representing investment in the rig fleet to support future growth, which was offset by asset disposals of £3.2m, largely attributable to the disposal of Van Elle's in-house HGV fleet in May 2025.

 

The Group continues to maintain a strong balance sheet supported by a significant asset base and a healthy cash balance. The funding facility has been renegotiated, and the Group now has a £10m asset lending facility with Lloyds Banking Group, available against new asset purchases, of which £7.6m is undrawn.

 

The order book was £44.9m as at 31 October 2025 (31 October 2024: £41.6m) providing good visibility through to the year end and into FY2027.

 

Market overview

The Group operates in three market sectors:

 

· Residential constituted 32% of Group revenues in the Period (44% in H1 FY2025). Sector revenue decreased by 15% to £23.8m (H1 FY2025: £28.1m). Divisional teams deliver integrated piling and foundation systems for national and regional housebuilders, retirement homes, and multi-storey residential properties.

 

In new build residential housing, volumes remained subdued in the Period, where continued economic uncertainty impacted housebuilders activity levels, particularly in the private housing market. Whilst some of this impact is mitigated by the Group's balanced exposure to affordable and partnership housing customers.

 

The Group also delivers foundations for taller residential schemes, where the impact of the Building Safety Act has caused significant delays to the commencement of numerous high-rise schemes, particularly in London. Recent commitments to clear the gateway 2 backlog and introduce staged applications are very encouraging, and the Group has seen a four-fold increase in approvals in Q3 compared to Q2.

 

Housebuilding volumes are currently well below the Government's targets. However, the outlook remains very strong in the UK, supported by the Government's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in the current parliament and to speed up the planning process. The benefits of the Group's offsite manufactured Smartfoot system are expected to support faster build times with less resources during a widely publicised skills shortage and to respond quickly as the market improves.

 

· Infrastructure constituted 44% of Group revenues in the Period (39% in H1 FY2025). Sector revenue increased by 31% to £32.0m (H1 FY2025: £24.4m). The sector includes specialist ground engineering services to the rail, highways, coastal and flooding, energy and utility sectors.

 

The Group has strengthened its position in the UK's energy and water sectors, where the medium-term opportunity is significant.

 

Forecasted growth in UK electricity demand, energy security considerations and grid connectivity to green energy generation is driving substantial investment in the energy sector. The Group is uniquely positioned to provide an integrated offering to customers, including ground investigation, design, manufacture, civils and piling solutions for substations and new and upgraded transmission lines. Long term, high value frameworks are being established and ground investigation, design and construction workstreams are already progressing on several major schemes in Scotland for Wood and M-Group.

 

In the water sector, following years of under investment, the current investment cycle (AMP8) is forecast to deliver more than double the investment from the previous AMP7 cycle. Water company spend of £104bn is expected in AMP8 and a further increase expected in AMP9 (AMP7: £54bn). The Group is well positioned to support Tier 1 contractors across a broad range of projects in the sector.

 

Rail revenues remained subdued in the Period with lower than expected activity levels during the early stages of CP7. Workload was supported by our strong position on the TransPennine Route Upgrade project.

 

Government spending in the highways sector continues to be subdued, with works now completed on the Smart Motorway programme. The Group is focusing on delivering mid-sized projects for selected Tier 1 contractors in this sector.

 

The Group disposed of its Canadian Rail subsidiary in December 2025, which had been impacted by project delays since inception. Van Elle will continue to provide specialised technical support to the new owner.

 

· Regional Construction constituted 24% of Group revenues (17% in H1 FY2025). Sector revenue increased by 65% to £17.3m (H1 FY2025: £10.5m). The Group delivers a full range of piling and ground improvement services to the commercial and industrial sectors, from private and public sector building and developer-led markets across the UK.

 

The regional construction market continues to be very competitive. Notwithstanding the softer market conditions, sector revenue increased primarily due to the large Sheffield Forgemasters project, which is currently in progress.

 

Industrial markets covering factories, data centres, and warehousing continue to offer significant opportunity for the Group's range of piling and ground improvement services as market confidence returns.

 

Operating structure

Van Elle's operational Group structure has remained consistent and is reported in three segments:

 

· General Piling: open site; larger projects; key techniques being large diameter rotary, CFA piling and precast driven piling.

 

· Specialist Piling and Rail: restricted access and low headroom piling; extensive rail mounted capability; helical piling and steel modular foundations (ScrewFast); sheet piling, soil nails and anchors, mini-piling and ground stabilisation projects, drill and blast and specialised drilling and nailing (Albion).

 

· Ground Engineering Services: piling solutions for housebuilders, precast concrete modular foundations (Smartfoot); ground investigation and geotechnical services (Strata Geotechnics).

 

General Piling

Revenue increased by 25% in the Period to £28.9m (H1 FY2025: £23.0m), representing 39% of Group revenues (36% in H1 FY2025).

 

The General Piling division operates across all the Group's three market sectors. The division continues to be impacted by weak market conditions resulting in highly price sensitive opportunities.

 

Residential sector revenues decreased further compared to a relatively low base in the previous year. This primarily reflects the continued delays to Building Safety Act approvals for high-rise residential buildings, particularly in London. Recent announcements by the government to put processes in place, including staged applications, to speed up decisions on new build schemes, is encouraging.

 

Regional Construction sector revenues increased significantly compared to the previous year, mainly due to the largest industrial project for several years currently being delivered at Forgemasters in Sheffield.

 

Despite the higher revenues, margin pressure has resulted in an operating loss of £0.1m for the Period (H1 FY2025: £0.5m profit).

 

Specialist Piling and Rail

Revenue increased by 21% in the Period to £25.9m (H1 FY2025: £21.4m), representing 35% of Group revenues (34% in H1 FY2025). Revenue from Albion Drilling, acquired by the Group on 28 October 2024, is reported in the Specialist Piling and Rail division.

 

Specialist Piling activity levels decreased compared to the previous year, reflecting a strong comparative period. Market conditions remained fairly stable, with strong contract margins delivered due to the highly skilled nature of specialist site works. The division's medium-term outlook in the infrastructure sector remains very positive, with significant growth opportunities in the high-voltage power sector supporting the development of the UK's electricity transmission networks, and increased activity in the water sector under the AMP8 framework.

 

Rail revenues increased, with activity levels in the previous year being subdued as the sector transitioned from CP6 into CP7. Revenue has recovered from this low base, supported by our operations on the TransPennine Route Upgrade project, however CP7 activity levels have not yet increased to previously forecast levels that would allow the division to generate strong profitability.

 

Albion Drilling was acquired in October 2024 to provide additional capacity and specialist capability in Scotland, where many initial energy projects will commence. Revenues from Albion are reported in the Specialist Piling and Rail segment and remained broadly flat compared to the previous year.

 

Operating profit for the division increased to £2.7m (H1 FY2025: £2.1m).

 

Ground Engineering Services

Revenue decreased by 2% in the Period to £18.4m (H1 FY2025: £18.7m), representing 25% of Group revenues (30% in H1 FY2025).

 

Ground Engineering consists of the Housing division and Strata Geotechnics ('Strata'). The Housing division delivers integrated piling and Smartfoot foundation beam solutions to UK housebuilders. Strata delivers ground investigation, testing and monitoring services.

 

Housing division revenues decreased compared to the previous year. New build residential housing volumes continued to be subdued, where continued economic uncertainty impacted housebuilders activity levels. Our diverse customer base, with additional exposure to partnership and affordable housing customers, where volumes were affected to a lesser extent, has partially mitigated the impact of the very soft private housebuilding market.

 

Whilst housebuilding volumes are currently below the government's targets, the sector outlook remains very strong, supported by the Government's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in the current parliament and to speed up the planning process.

 

Strata revenues increased with strong progress being achieved in the energy sector in Scotland. Ground investigation is progressing on several major energy transmission projects in Scotland for our strategic customers. There remains a very strong pipeline of opportunities over the next three years.

 

Operating profit for the segment increased to £0.5m (H1 FY2025: £0.3m).

 

Strategy

Progress towards the Group's strategic financial objectives has been impacted by ongoing challenging market conditions in many of its end markets. However, the Group is well-positioned for the expected improvement in market conditions, particularly with significant demand expected in the energy and water sectors, and an anticipated recovery in residential housing.

 

Sustainability and ESG

The Group has implemented a Sustainability Strategy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs") that are applicable to the business operations. We recognise that our core operations rely on energy-intensive materials such as concrete and steel. These industries are moving fast and making significant progress in developing cleaner technology for their manufacturing and operational processes.

 

Our long-term net zero by 2050 commitment is supported in the medium term by a roadmap to 2030 which provides a clear strategic pathway to a 30% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions. We have commenced mapping our scope 3 emissions to build on our carbon emissions reporting.

 

Our people actively engage with local communities, reinforcing our dedication to creating social value and making a long-term positive impact. We also collaborate with schools, colleges and universities to raise awareness of careers in construction, engineering, and geotechnical services.

 

Dividend

The Board remains committed to delivering sustainable shareholder returns, whilst maintaining a prudent and balanced approach to capital allocation. This reflects the Group's ongoing investment requirements, particularly in maintaining a market-leading fleet of rigs, as well as the strategic opportunities available to support long-term growth.

 

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 0.4 pence per share, which is payable on 13 March 2026 to shareholders on the share register as at 20 February 2026. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 19 February 2026.

 

Current trading and outlook

Market conditions have remained challenging throughout the first half of the financial year, but the Group remains in a very strong position to benefit from expected market improvements, particularly in the energy, water and residential sectors.

 

The Group continues to focus on the energy sector as a key growth driver, where there are committed levels of investment and an expected national shortage of skills to deliver planned works in the UK. We are very well positioned to maximise the opportunity with a large skilled workforce and a broad range of integrated capability to deliver on all ground engineering requirements. Workload is underway on ground investigation and design projects, which are expected to lead to significant piling projects in future periods, with visibility of at least £40m expected annual revenue through long term frameworks in the energy sector from FY28.

 

Growth in the rail and water sectors is also anticipated, as activity levels are expected to accelerate during the CP7 and AMP8 investment cycles.

 

The medium-term outlook for the residential sector is very strong, with the Government pledging 1.5 million new homes in the current parliament. For high-rise developments, the recent announcements by the Government to address Building Safety Act delays are encouraging where there have been significant delays to the commencement of numerous high-rise schemes, particularly in London.

 

In Regional Construction we are seeing an increased level of confidence for industrial schemes including logistics, data centres, prisons, schools and hospitals. 

 

The Board continues to expect results in line with market expectations for the current financial year.

 

 

 

 

Mark Cutler

Chief Executive Officer

26 January 2026

 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

Note

6 months to 31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

6 months to 31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

(restated)

£'000

12 months to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

Revenue

2,3

73,370

63,359

130,465

Cost of sales

 

(53,708)

(43,806)

(90,045)

Gross profit

 

19,662

19,553

40,420

Administrative expenses

 

(18,833)

(18,909)

(38,345)

Credit loss impairment charge

 

-

(68)

(33)

Other operating income

 

1,000

1,455

2,833

Operating profit

 

1,829

2,031

4,875

Operating profit before non-underlying items

 

2,045

2,171

5,487

Non-underlying items

(216)

(140)

(612)

Operating profit

 

1,829

2,031

4,875

Finance expense

 

(218)

(102)

(413)

Finance income

 

59

100

186

Profit before tax

 

1,670

2,029

4,648

Income tax credit/(expense)

 

(356)

(524)

(1,488)

Profit for the period from continuing operations

 

1,314

1,505

3,160

Loss for the period from discontinued operations

 

(1,310)

(97)

(1,317)

Profit for the period

 

4

1,408

1,843

Earnings per share (pence)

 

 

Basic

6

0.0

1.3

1.7

Diluted

6

0.0

1.3

1.7

Basic - Continuing

6

1.2

1.4

2.9

Diluted - Continuing

6

1.2

1.4

2.9

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

Note

6 months to 31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

 

£'000

6 months to 31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

(restated)

£'000

12 months to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

 

£'000

Items that may or may not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

 

Foreign operations - foreign currency translation differences

 

(11)

(62)

(112)

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

 

(11)

(62)

(112)

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to shareholders of the parent

 

(7)

1,346

1,731

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

 

 

As at

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

 

As at

 31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

(restated)

£'000

 

As at

30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

Non-current assets

 

Property, plant and equipment

38,821

44,518

36,867

Intangible assets

4,554

4,981

4,554

Deferred tax

738

370

738

44,113

49,869

42,159

Current assets

 

Inventories

6,990

6,192

6,317

Assets held for sale

3,158

-

6,516

Trade and other receivables

33,378

33,168

32,429

Cash and cash equivalents

6,736

3,814

7,204

 

50,262

43,174

52,466

Total assets

94,375

93,043

94,625

Current liabilities

 

Trade and other payables

23,265

21,310

20,277

Corporation tax

-

-

61

Loans and borrowings

1,894

-

3,335

Deferred consideration

-

2,671

-

Lease liabilities

1,883

2,061

1,973

Provisions

1,450

1,903

1,445

Liabilities held for sale

747

-

959

29,239

27,945

28,050

Non-current liabilities

 

Loans and borrowings

854

-

1,109

Deferred consideration

-

281

-

Lease liabilities

4,214

3,819

4,770

Deferred tax

6,297

6,426

6,246

 

11,365

10,526

12,125

Total liabilities

40,604

38,471

40,175

Net assets

53,771

54,572

54,450

Equity

 

Share capital

2,164

2,164

2,164

Share premium

9,189

9,189

9,189

Other reserve

5,807

5,807

5,807

Investment in own shares

(479)

(420)

(479)

Retained earnings

37,090

37,832

37,769

Total equity

53,771

54,572

54,450

 

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

 

6 months to 31 Oct

2025

(unaudited)

£'000

6 months

to 31 Oct 2024

(unaudited)

(restated)

£'000

12 months

to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Operating profit

1,829

2,031

4,875

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

3,694

3,951

8,263

Amortisation of intangible assets

-

74

101

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(514)

(377)

(835)

Share-based payment expense

184

123

57

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital

5,193

5,802

12,461

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

(673)

(152)

(323)

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(825)

240

(809)

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other payables

2,988

(1,460)

(2,630)

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

5

(211)

(764)

Cash generated from continuing operations

6,688

4,219

7,935

Income tax (paid)/received

(61)

-

-

Net cash generated from continuing operating activities

6,627

4,219

7,935

Net cash generated from discontinued operating activities

(546)

(854)

(2,169)

Net cash generated from operating activities

6,081

3,365

5,766

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(5,505)

(2,528)

(3,575)

Disposal of property, plant and equipment

3,194

576

2,426

Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

(270)

(1,297)

(3,417)

Purchase of own shares into EBT

-

-

(60)

Net cash absorbed in continuing investing activities

(2,581)

(3,249)

(4,626)

Net cash absorbed in discontinued investing activities

-

(242)

(197)

Net cash absorbed in investing activities

(2,581)

(3,491)

(4,823)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Proceeds from new loans and borrowings

-

-

4,577

Repayment of bank borrowings

(1,580)

-

(132)

Principal paid on lease liabilities

(1,307)

(1,207)

(2,475)

Interest paid on lease liabilities

(204)

(102)

(317)

Interest paid on loans and borrowings

(14)

-

(96)

Interest received

59

100

186

Dividends paid

(856)

(853)

(1,271)

Net cash absorbed in continuing financing activities

(3,902)

(2,062)

472

Net cash absorbed in discontinuing financing activities

(66)

-

(33)

Net cash absorbed in financing activities

(3,968)

(2,062)

439

Net increase/(decrease) in continuing cash and cash equivalents

144

(1,092)

3,781

Net increase/(decrease) in discontinuing cash and cash equivalents

(612)

(1,096)

(2,399)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(468)

(2,188)

1,382

Reclassification to held for sale

-

-

(180)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

7,204

6,002

6,002

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

6,736

3,814

7,204

 

 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

 

Share

Capital

£'000

Share

premium

£'000

Other

reserve

£'000

 

Investment in own shares

£'000

 

Retained

earnings

£'000

Total

equity

£'000

 

Balance at

30 April 2024

(audited) (restated)

2,135

8,633

5,807

(420)

37,252

53,407

 

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

1,346

1,346

 

Issue of share capital

29

556

-

-

-

585

 

Share-based payment expense

-

-

-

-

123

123

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(854)

(854)

Deferred tax charge on share-based payments

-

-

-

-

(35)

(35)

Balance at

31 October 2024

(unaudited)

(restated)

2,164

9,189

5,807

(420)

37,832

54,572

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

385

385

Purchase of own shares into EBT

-

-

-

(59)

-

(59)

Share-based payment expense

-

-

-

-

(66)

(66)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(417)

(417)

Deferred tax charge on share-based payments

-

-

-

-

35

35

Balance at

30 April 2025

(audited)

2,164

9,189

5,807

(479)

37,769

54,450

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

(7)

(7)

Share-based payment expense

-

-

-

-

184

184

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

(856)

(856)

Balance at

31 October 2025

(unaudited)

2,164

9,189

5,807

(479)

37,090

53,771

 

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements

For the six months ended 31 October 2025

1. Basis of preparation

 

The unaudited interim consolidated statement of Van Elle Holdings plc is for the six months ended 31 October 2025 and does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the recognition and measurement requirement of International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They do not include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual report. The unaudited interim consolidated statement has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies that are expected to be applied in the report and accounts for the year ending 30 April 2026.

The comparative figures for the year ended 30 April 2025 do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, but they have been derived from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 nor a reference to any matters which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis of matter without qualifying their report.

Going Concern

As part of the going concern assessment for the year ended 30 April 2025 detailed forecasts were prepared. These forecasts demonstrated sufficient cash flow and headroom across the period to 31 December 2026. Reverse stress testing was also carried out and the scenarios in which cash resources were exhausted and further debt facilities were required were considered remote.

Despite challenging market conditions during the 6-month period, net funds (excluding IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities) has increased from £1.1m at 30 April 2025 to £2.8m at 31 October 2025. During the 6-month period the business has continued to invest in it's rig fleet and has generated cash through the disposal of its in-house HGV fleet. Of the £3m drawn on the Group's asset backed lending facility as at 30 April 2025, £1.5m was repaid in the period and the remaining £1.5m outstanding was repaid shortly after the period end. Since the period, the Group's financing facilities have been renegotiated and the Group now has a £10m asset lending facility with Lloyds Banking Group, to be drawn against new asset purchases.

Total hire purchase finance at the end of the period was £2.4m, with a further £2.5m of hire purchase financing taken out with Lloyds since the period end.

As part of the interim going concern assessment, forecasts for the 12 months ending January 2027 have been prepared which demonstrate that the Group is able to operate within its existing facilities and meet obligations as they fall due. The Board remains confident in achieving market expectations for the current financial year and the Group's order book has also grown in the period since 30 April 2025.

On this basis the Board consider the Group to have adequate resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Board continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited Group interim consolidated statement to 31 October 2025 are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at, and for the year ended 30 April 2025. 

 Functional currency

The unaudited interim consolidated statements are presented in Sterling, which is also the Group's functional currency. Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

 

2. Segment information

 

The Group evaluates segmental performance based on profit or loss from operations calculated in accordance with IFRS. Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to encourage use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax authorities. Head office central services costs including insurances are allocated to the segments based on levels of turnover.

 

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2025

 

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling & Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Revenue

28,882

25,911

18,437

140

73,370

Other operating income

-

-

-

1,000

1,000

Underlying operating profit

(109)

2,700

499

(1,045)

2,045

Operating profit

(109)

2,700

499

(1,261)

1,829

Finance expense

-

-

-

(218)

(218)

Finance income

-

-

-

59

59

Profit before tax

(109)

2,700

499

(1,420)

1,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment (including right of use assets)

13,898

12,793

7,173

4,957

38,821

Intangible assets

868

3,498

188

-

4,554

Inventories

2,148

1,012

3,691

139

6,990

Reportable segment assets

16,914

17,303

11,052

5,096

50,365

Deferred tax

-

-

-

738

738

Trade and other receivables

-

-

-

33,378

33,378

Assets held for sale

-

-

-

3,158

3,158

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

-

6,736

6,736

Total assets

16,914

17,303

11,052

49,106

94,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

-

-

-

23,265

23,265

Liabilities held for sale

-

-

-

747

747

Provisions

-

-

-

1,450

1,450

Loans and borrowings

-

-

-

2,748

2,748

Lease liabilities

-

-

-

6,097

6,097

Deferred tax

-

-

-

6,297

6,297

Total liabilities

-

-

-

40,604

40,604

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other information

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

2,159

1,666

2,112

148

6,085

Depreciation

1,390

1,276

753

275

3,694

 

The Group had one customer with revenues greater than 10% in the 6-month period. Total revenues from the customer were £10.0m and these are reported in the General Piling operating segment. All revenue is generated in the UK.

 

Operating segments - 6 months to 31 October 2024 (restated)

 

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling & Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Revenue

23,031

21,422

18,714

192

63,359

Other operating income

-

-

-

1,455

1,455

Underlying operating profit

479

2,050

309

(667)

2,171

Operating profit

479

2,050

309

(807)

2,031

Finance expense

-

-

-

(102)

(102)

Finance income

-

-

-

100

100

Profit before tax

479

2,050

309

(809)

2,029

 

Assets

Property, plant and equipment (including right of use assets)

 12,697

 16,204

 6,520

 9,097

 44,518

Intangible assets

 868

 3,924

 189

 -

 4,981

Inventories

 2,293

 1,104

 2,734

 61

 6,192

Reportable segment assets

 15,858

 21,232

 9,443

 9,158

 55,691

Deferred tax

-

-

-

370

370

Trade and other receivables

-

-

-

33,168

33,168

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

-

3,814

3,814

Total assets

15,858

21,232

9,443

46,510

93,043

 

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

-

-

-

21,310

21,310

Provisions

-

-

-

1,903

1,903

Deferred consideration

-

-

-

2,952

2,951

Lease liabilities

-

-

-

5,880

5,880

Deferred tax

-

-

-

6,426

6,426

Total liabilities

-

-

-

38,471

38,471

 

Other information

Capital expenditure

1,313

913

118

229

2,573

Depreciation

1,294

1,224

839

594

3,951

 

The Group had no customers with revenues greater than 10% in the period.

 

  

Operating segments - 12 months to 30 April 2025

 

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling

& Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Revenue

46,027

46,099

38,138

201

130,465

Other operating income

-

-

-

2,833

2,833

Underlying operating profit

628

5,291

861

(1,293)

5,487

Operating profit

628

5,291

861

(1,905)

4,875

Finance expense

-

-

-

(413)

(413)

Finance income

-

-

-

186

186

Profit before tax

628

5,291

861

(2,132)

4,648

 

Assets

Property, plant and equipment (including right of use assets)

13,127

12,736

5,921

5,083

36,867

Intangible assets

868

3,498

188

-

4,554

Inventories

2,185

896

3,168

68

6,317

Reportable segment assets

16,180

17,130

9,277

5,151

47,737

Trade and other receivables

-

-

-

32,429

32,429

Assets held for sale

-

-

-

6,516

6,516

Deferred tax

-

-

-

738

738

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

-

7,204

7,204

Total assets

16,180

17,130

9,277

52,038

94,625

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

-

-

-

20,277

20,277

Provisions

-

-

-

1,445

1,445

Liabilities held for sale

-

-

-

959

959

Loans and borrowings

-

-

-

4,444

4,444

Lease liabilities

-

-

-

6,743

6,743

Corporation Tax

-

-

-

61

61

Deferred tax

-

-

-

6,246

6,246

Total liabilities

-

-

-

40,175

40,175

Other information

Capital expenditure

3,622

2,004

523

629

6,778

Depreciation

2,662

2,859

1,643

1,099

8,263

 

The Group had no customers with revenues greater than 10% in the period.

 

  

3. Revenue from contracts with customers

 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2025

End market

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling & Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Residential

8,362

1,828

13,621

-

23,811

Infrastructure

7,257

20,236

4,504

-

31,997

Regional construction

13,153

3,829

312

-

17,294

Other

110

18

-

140

268

Total

28,882

25,911

18,437

140

73,370

 

Disaggregation of revenue - 6 months to 31 October 2024 (restated)

End market

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling & Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Residential

9,973

3,528

14,595

-

28,096

Infrastructure

6,171

15,481

2,759

-

24,411

Regional construction

6,783

2,409

1,349

-

10,541

Other

104

5

10

192

311

Total

23,031

21,423

18,713

192

63,359

 

Disaggregation of revenue - 12 months to 30 April 2025

End market

General

Piling

£'000

Specialist

Piling & Rail

£'000

Ground

Engineering

Services

£'000

Head

Office

£'000

Total

£'000

Residential

18,061

5,321

28,618

-

52,000

Infrastructure

12,055

35,169

7,012

-

54,236

Regional construction

15,655

5,598

2,508

-

23,761

Other

256

11

-

201

468

Total

46,027

46,099

38,138

201

130,465

 

Contract assets

6 months to

31 Oct 2025

(unaudited)

£'000

6 months to

 31 Oct 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months to

30 Apr 2025

(audited)

£'000

As at 1 May

5,133

4,937

4,937

Transfers from contract assets to trade receivables

(5,133)

(4,937)

(4,937)

Excess of revenue recognised over invoiced

6,944

6,350

5,133

Impairment of contract assets

-

-

-

As at 31 October / 30 April

6,944

6,350

5,133

Contract liabilities

6 months to

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

6 months to

31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

£'000

12 months to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

As at 1 May

130

384

384

Interest on contract liabilities

-

-

-

Contract liabilities recognised as revenue in the period

(130)

(384)

(384)

Deposits received in advance of performance

290

22

130

As at 31 October / 30 April

290

22

130

 

4. Other operating income

6 months to

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

6 months to

31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

£'000

12 months to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

Research and development expenditure credit relating to current period

1,000

1,107

2,034

Research and development expenditure credit relating to prior period

-

438

416

Property disposal

-

-

383

 

1,000

1,545

2,833

 

The research and development expenditure credit relating to the current period is based on management's estimate of the claim for the current financial year.

 

The research and development expenditure credit relating to the prior period is due to an increase in the estimate of the claim value for the previous financial year.

 

5. Non-underlying items

6 months to

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

6 months to

31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

£'000

12 months to 30 Apr 2025 (audited)

£'000

Business combination costs

-

86

86

Advisory costs

76

-

-

Restructuring costs

-

54

116

Deferred acquisition consideration

140

-

410

 

216

140

612

 

Advisory costs relate to initiatives not in the ordinary course of business.

 

Deferred acquisition payments relate to deferred consideration payable for Albion Drilling Holdings Ltd which was purchased on 28 October 2024. This has been treated as remuneration and recognised as a non-underlying cost as it requires the sellers to remain in employment during the deferred consideration period.

 

In the prior year business combination costs relate to acquisition fees for the purchase of Albion Drilling Holdings Ltd and its 100% owned subsidiary Albion Drilling Group Limited on 28 October 2024.

 

Towards the end of FY2024, a restructure of the leadership team and several functions commenced, which continued into FY2025. Restructure costs represent the costs incurred in this restructure.

 

6. Earnings per share

 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

 

 

6 months to

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

6 months to

31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

(restated)

 

12 months to

30 Apr 2025 (audited)

 

Basic weighted average number of shares

108,200

106,741

107,184

 

Dilutive weighted average shares from share options

-

1,138

1,107

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares

108,200

107,879

108,291

 

 

 

 

6 months to

31 Oct 2025

(unaudited)

6 months to

31 Oct 2024

(unaudited)

(restated)

 

12 months to

30 Apr 2025

(audited)

Profit/ (Loss)£'000

EPSPence

DEPSPence

Profit / (Loss)£'000

EPSPence

DEPSPence

Profit / (Loss)£'000

EPSPence

DEPSPence

Statutory profit from continued operations

1,314

1.2

1.2

1,505

1.4

1.4

3,160

2.9

2.9

Statutory loss from discontinued operations

(1,310)

-

-

(97)

-

-

(1,317)

-

-

Statutory profit for the year

4

0.0

0.0

1,408

1.3

1.3

1,843

1.7

1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying profit from continued operations

1,530

1.4

1.4

1,645

1.5

1.5

3,741

3.5

3.5

Underlying loss from discontinued operations

(1,310)

-

-

(97)

-

-

(1,317)

-

-

Underlying profit for the year

220

0.2

0.2

1,548

1.5

1.4

2,424

2.3

2.2

 

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders and on 108,800,751 ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 

7. Dividends paid

 

 

6 months to

31 Oct 2025

(unaudited)

£'000

6 months to

 31 Oct 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months to

30 Apr 2025

(audited)

£'000

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders during the Period:

 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2024 of 0.8p per share

-

854

854

Interim dividend for the year ended 30 April 2025 of 0.4p per share

-

-

417

Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2025 of 0.8p per share

856

-

-

Total

856

854

1,271

 

8. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

 

The Group announced in March 2025 that a strategic review of the Canadian operation was ongoing, following difficult trading conditions with significant delays to the large scale opportunities that the entity was initially established to deliver. In April 2025 the Group's Canadian subsidiary, Van Elle Canada Inc, along with the assets located in Canada and used by the Canadian operation, but owned by Van Elle Limited, were marketed for sale.

 

At 30 April 2025 and 31 October 2025 Van Elle Canada Inc and other assets located in Canada were classified as a disposal group held for sale and as a discontinued operation, being a significant geographical area of the Groups operations and the only operations outside the UK. As the business is classified as a discontinued operation the results of the subsidiary are no longer presented in the segment note, nor is geographic reporting separately disclosed. The income statement for the period ended 31 October 2024 has been restated to classify the results of Van Elle Canada Inc as discontinued.

 

In the 6-month period ending 31 October 2025 the Canadian operation generated revenues of £1.2m and a trading loss of £1.0m.

 

On 19 December 2025 the entire share capital of Van Elle Canada Inc and other assets located in Canada were sold to 1560169 B.C. Ltd, a SPV established for the purposes of the transaction, operating in a management partnership with leading Canadian rail contractor, Remcan Projects LP. The effective date of the transaction was 30 November 2025. The Disposal proceeds total approximately CAD $4.7m, comprising an initial cash payment of CAD $2.7m, and deferred cash consideration of approximately CAD $2.0m which is payable between 31 January 2026 and 31 July 2026. The disposal value is equal to the 30 November 2025 net book value, with certain fixed assets valued £0.3m below their 30 April 2025 position, reflective of continued wear and tear during business use in the seven-month period post year end. Canada trading losses for the month of November of £0.2m will be recognised in H2 of FY2026.

 

9. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents and reconciliation to net (debt) / funds

 

As at

31 Oct 2025 (unaudited)

£'000

As at

31 Oct 2024 (unaudited)

£'000

As at

30 Apr 2025

(audited)

£'000

Cash at bank

6,731

3,810

7,166

Cash in hand

5

4

38

Cash and cash equivalents

6,736

3,814

7,204

Loans and borrowings

(2,748)

-

(4,444)

Lease liabilities

(6,097)

(5,875)

(6,743)

Net (debt) / funds

(2,109)

(2,061)

(3,983)

Net funds excl. IFRS 16 property and vehicle lease liabilities

2,752

3,068

1,087

 

10. Prior period restatement

 

During the previous financial year, a detailed review of terms of one of the Company's long lease agreements was undertaken resulting in the restatement of the associated IFRS 16 asset and liability.

 

A restatement of the profit and loss, cashflow statement and balance sheet as 30 April 2024 and 30 April 2023 was made in the FY2025 annual report and accounts. A restatement of the profit and loss, cashflow statement and balance sheet as at 31 October 2024 is presented in this interim report.

 

The total impact on the profit and loss for the 6 months ended 31 October 2024 is a £48,000 increase in profit after tax, being a reduction in administrative costs of £19,000 and finance expenses of £45,000, with an increased tax charge of £16,000.

 

The impact on net assets as at 31 October 2024 was an increase of £719,000.

 

 

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