Trading Update

27 April 2012

Sweett Group plc

("Sweett Group" or "the Group")

Sweett Group trading update

Sweett Group, the international property and infrastructure consultancy, provides the following trading update in advance of the publication of its results for the year ended 31 March 2012, scheduled to be announced on 3 July 2012.

The Group has continued to deliver a robust financial performance as a result of the increasingly diverse nature of its operations and the £2m annualised cost savings announced in December 2011. The UK business has proved particularly resilient in challenging market conditions, the Middle East is showing signs of recovery despite the political backdrop and the Asia Pacific region continues to expand with increasing profitability. 

The Group's profit before amortisation and exceptional administrative expenses for the year to 31 March 2012 is expected to be in line with market expectations, provided that the previously-announced Inverclyde and Dumfries & Galloway Schools investment disposals are successfully completed as expected. The back-stop date for the latter, which now excludes the Group's pinpoint equity but with an unchanged total consideration of £2,175,000, has been extended to 11 May 2012.

During the year, the Group has continued to invest in growing its international presence and capability, in particular across mainland China and Southeast Asia, where it now employs some 700 staff across 15 offices. This growth has increased the Group's total staff number to over 1,300. The Asia Pacific region, which also includes Australia, now accounts for approximately 30% of the Group's total revenue, up from 24% last year. Revenues derived from Europe and the Middle East, Africa and India ("MEAI") now stand at approximately 60% and 10% respectively.

Compared to a year ago, the Group's order book has improved by £9m to £88m with 54% in Asia Pacific, 39% in Europe and 7% in MEAI.

Commenting on the Group's outlook, Dean Webster, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"The Group will continue to benefit from its growing international order book, diversified geographic reach and global corporate client base. We anticipate continued strong growth in the Asia Pacific markets and expect conditions in our European markets to remain challenging, although the actions we have taken to reduce our cost base in the region ensure that our business will remain competitive." 

- Ends -

For further information:

Sweett Group plc Dean Webster, Chief Executive Officer +44 20 7061 9000Chris Goscomb, Chief Financial Officer +44 20 7061 9000Theo Kjellberg, Group Communications Manager +44 20 7061 9102

Westhouse SecuritiesTom Price, Paul Gillam +44 20 7367 9074

FTI ConsultingBilly Clegg, Oliver Winters, Latika Shah +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/PFI investment.

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