Interim Results

RNS Number : 3557A

Walker Greenbank PLC

07 October 2009

 



A briefing for analysts will be held at 10am this morning, 7 October 2009, at the offices of Buchanan Communications, 

45 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AE.

For immediate release

7 October 2009

WALKER GREENBANK PLC

('Walker Greenbank' or 'the Company')

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 July 2009

Walker Greenbank plc (AIM: WGB), the luxury interior furnishings group whose brands include Sanderson, Morris & Co., Harlequin and Zoffany, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six month period ended 31 July 2009.

Highlights 

• Total revenues of £29.14 million (2008: £33.01million), a gradually improving sales trend since the end of March 2009 has continued into the second half 

• Mid-market brands Harlequin, Sanderson and Morris & Co performed relatively well whereas premium brand Zoffany was affected by customers' trading down or deferring spending

• Wallpaper and fabric printing returned to profitability in the second quarter following a restructuring programme 

• Profit before tax of £0.57 million (2008: £1.72 million) and earnings per share of 0.77p (2008: 1.70p)

• Cash generation allowed net debt to be reduced by 28% to £6.73 million (2008: £9.30 million) and interest cover to improve to 7.0 times (2008: 5.6 times)

Terry Stannard, the Chairman of Walker Greenbank, said: 'Whilst trading conditions remain uncertain, we have addressed our cost base, sustained the profitability of the Group and kept tight control of cash. We have a strong balance sheet and are well positioned to take advantage of an upturn in our marketplace.

'We have seen a gradually reducing shortfall in brand revenues each month since the end of March and a return to profitability in our manufacturing in the second quarter. This has continued into the opening weeks of the second half and, whilst we are cautious about the stability of the marketplace, we remain comfortable that we will meet market expectations.'

For further information:

Walker Greenbank PLC	0844 543 4667
John Sach, Chief Executive
Alan Dix, Finance Director
Julian Wilson, Company Secretary
Arden Partners plc	020 7398 1600
Chris Hardie/Adrian Trimmings
Buchanan Communications	020 7466 5000
Mark Court/Suzanne Brocks/Miranda Higham

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT 

Overview

As anticipated at the year end, market conditions in the first half have been particularly challenging and consequently revenues are significantly down on the prior half year. However we are encouraged by a gradually improving sales trend in our brands during the six month period. Our continued commitment to design excellence and our broad range of brands has seen us stem the rate of revenue decline progressively since the end of March. 

Total revenues declined 12% against the same period last year, a time during which trading was particularly strong. 

External Worldwide brand revenues declined 10%, whilst third party manufacturing suffered a more severe decline of 18% due to difficult market conditions and customer de-stocking. Within the luxury interior furnishings market, our range of mid market brands, Harlequin, Sanderson and Morris & Co, have performed more strongly than our premium-end brand Zoffany.

The largest market for our brands, the UK, experienced an 8% revenue decline, whereas the US and Europe were down 31% and 20% respectively in local currency.

During the period we have taken firm action to reduce costs to mitigate the sales decline and to sustain the profitability of the Group. In addition we continued to strengthen our balance sheet, reducing net debt to £6,727,000 from £9,302,000 a year ago.

Financials

Revenue decreased 12% to £29,139,000 from £33,007,000 over the same period last year. The operating profit for the half 

year, before exceptional redundancy costs of £246,000 and exceptional insurance recovery of £210,000, decreased 51% to £1,049,000 (2008: £2,141,000). Net finance costs on borrowings reduced to £145,000 (2008: £385,000) due to reduced levels of borrowings and lower interest rates. Net defined benefit pension charge increased to £300,000 (2008: £34,000) due to higher discount rates on liabilities and lower investment returns on scheme assets both based on actuarial estimates at the start of the year. The profit before tax decreased 67% to £568,000 (2008: £1,722,000). Profit after tax fell to £422,000 (2008: £936,000).

Interest cover (excluding net defined benefit pension charge) increased to 7.0 times compared with 5.6 times for the first half of 2008.

The earnings per share were 0.77p (2008: 1.70p). 

The Group's net indebtedness at the period end was £6,727,000 (2008: £9,302,000). This represents a reduction in gearing to 31% (2008: 43%). Despite the reduced profit from operations of £1,013,000 (2008: £2,141,000) the cash inflow from operating activities in the six month period was £117,000 (2008: cash outflow £1,081,000) reflecting tight working capital control and reduced interest charges. 

Dividend

At the interim stage, the Board does not recommend the payment of a dividend. We will continue to review our dividend policy with the objective of paying a dividend at the earliest appropriate opportunity.

People

On behalf of the Board, I would like to offer thanks to all our employees for their enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty in a challenging environment. We are very grateful to them for their continued support.

Outlook

Whilst trading conditions remain uncertain, we have addressed our cost base, sustained the profitability of the Group and kept tight control of cash. We have a strong balance sheet and are well positioned to take advantage of an upturn in our market place. 

We have seen a gradually reducing shortfall in brand revenues each month since the end of March and a return to profitability in our manufacturing in the second quarter. This has continued into the opening weeks of the second half and whilst we are cautious about the stability of the marketplace we remain comfortable that we will meet market expectations.  

Terry Stannard

Non-Executive Chairman

6 October 2009

 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

Overview

Walker Greenbank has maintained carefully measured levels of product investment in the first half of this year in its four luxury interior furnishings brands - Harlequin, Zoffany, Sanderson and Morris & Co. - with tight control over discretionary expenditure. This combined with the considerable investment made in previous years has enabled the Group to maintain its focus on design and product excellence and customer service despite extraordinarily tough market conditions.

Our Brand segment revenues declined 11% and our Overseas segment revenues declined 10% benefiting from the weakness of sterling in the first half. Brand revenues in the UK retail market declined 8%, this being our most important market, accounting for 41% of overall Group revenues. Much tougher conditions were experienced at the upper end of our marketplace, with our mid-market brands Harlequin and Sanderson performing relatively well. In mainland Europe, retail revenues were down 7%, equating to a 20% decline in constant currency. Our US retail business, whilst still a small part of overall Group revenues, proved to be the most demanding business unit with revenues down 11%, equating to 31% in constant currency. The Rest of the World revenues were down 16%. We have continued to invest in the strategic development of our Contract business although market conditions have led to an 8% decline in revenues. We continue to develop the licensing opportunities that exist for our brands, with licensing revenues being broadly maintained in the first half.

Our Manufacturing segment revenues declined 18%, suffering from significantly reduced volumes and customer de-stocking, particularly in the first quarter. A reduction in the cost base to align the manufacturing to these reduced volumes returned our manufacturing businesses to profitability in the second quarter. 

The Brands

Walker Greenbank has a strong portfolio of brands covering a wide variety of market segments in the mid to upper end of the premium interior furnishings market. The brands segment performed relatively well in the current trading environment, with revenues down by 11% over the same period last year. We embarked on a cost reduction exercise in the final quarter of last year and the early part of the current year in response to these market conditions. This, combined with improved margins, has helped reduce the impact of the revenue decline, leading to a 26% fall in operating profits after exceptional items over the same period last year.

Harlequin's continued focus on design excellence and new product launches has underpinned its position as the leading mid-market contemporary brand in the UK. Pleasingly 'Arkona', a contemporary range of wallpapers, prints and woven fabrics and part of last year's autumn launch has become the best selling Harlequin collection in the past five years despite the current market place. Overall revenues fell 10% over the same period last year but the fall has been steadily reducing since the end of March. As the contract market becomes more cost conscious in the current trading environment, Harlequin has seen its contract revenues grow 15% on the same period last year. The UK has performed slightly better than export markets with revenues down 8% compared with 11% for export. Within export, Europe is down 21% in constant currency, with the important markets of Ireland and Spain being hardest hit. Revenues within the Rest of the World were only down 1%, with solid progress being made in the Middle East. More than half of Harlequin revenues are from woven product, which is sourced primarily from Europe and consequently the gross margins have declined slightly due to the strengthening of the Euro. 

Zoffany, which is positioned at the upper end of the premium market, has seen revenues fall 21% as customers appear to be trading down or deferring investment. The fall has been across all markets, with the UK down 19%. Zoffany has been particularly hard hit in its export markets where the decline in its most important market of Southern Ireland contributed significantly to a 26% fall in constant currency in Europe. It has also suffered from a significant decline in its contract business and a fall in constant currency of 33% in the USA and 43% in the Rest of World.    

Arthur Sanderson & Sons incorporating the Morris & Co brand has continued its strong investment in product. The successful spring launch of 'Options 10', its flagship triennial collection, combined with the unrivalled global recognition of the brand to give Sanderson an overall revenue fall of only 4%, compared with a particularly strong growth period last year.  The fall has been steadily reducing since the end of April. The UK suffered only a 1% revenue fall with European revenues increasing by 4% but declining 5% on a constant currency basis. The US market fell 24% on a constant currency basis, albeit from a relatively small base. The Rest of the World experienced a fall in revenues of 10%.  Gross margins improved as the strengthening Euro benefited margins, there being a higher proportion of European sales for these brands compared with Harlequin and Zoffany.   

Overseas

The US market has been extremely challenging with revenues in the US business falling 11%, equating to 31% in constant 

currency. The US still forms an important part of the Group's medium to long term growth strategy but currently represents only 14% of overall Group revenues. Investment in marketing, patterning and sample support has been reduced to reflect the market conditions. The reduced investment and the impact of improved margins due to the strength of the dollar have led to a small profit in the first half.

The Group's distribution businesses in Rome, for Zoffany and Harlequin, and in Paris, for Zoffany and Sanderson, remain relatively small.  The French business remained robust with revenue growing by 6% but the Italian business suffered a decline of 14%. Overall the European businesses have remained profitable.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing experienced extremely tough market conditions, with third party revenues falling 18% on the same period last year. This was reflected with a similar reduction in revenues within the Group's brands. The most significant decline was for export customers where the decline was 47%, with US customers reducing stock levels and new product launches more significantly than others. To mitigate the lower volumes, headcount was reduced through a redundancy programme, predominantly in the first quarter. This, combined with a slight easing in market conditions, helped return manufacturing to profitability in the second quarter.  

Anstey, our wallpaper printing factory, experienced de-stocking by its customers and reduced levels of new product launches. Overall revenues fell by 23% with external revenues falling 27% and revenues from the Group's brands down 20%. The most significant decline suffered was in export markets where revenues fell 56%, representing 10% of total revenues. These revenue declines led to an overall breakeven result in the first half with Anstey returning to profitability in the second quarter. 

Standfast, our fabric printing factory, continued to experience extremely challenging market conditions in the first half of the current year. Overall revenues were down 13% over the same period last year, with an 11% fall in third party revenues and a 15% fall in Group revenues. This reduced activity  placed further pressure on factory throughput and operating margins leading to a small overall loss in the first half. However, a further reduction in headcount through a redundancy programme in the first quarter, combined with Standfast's main competitor going into administration and emerging in a significantly reduced form, helped to turn a significant first quarter loss into a second quarter profit.

Eliminations and Unallocated (including central costs)

The Group hedges dollar revenues from its overseas distribution business. The average rate of these contracts during the first half of the year compared with spot rates led to an exchange loss. However, tight cost control has reduced central costs to £1,142,000 (2008: £1,502,000).

Summary

We remain committed to our strategy which continues to be underpinned by five key elements: organic growth within the UK, geographic expansion, contract sales growth, development of further licensing arrangements and a willingness to evaluate acquisition opportunities. We remain focused on cash generation and building the strength of our balance sheet. Whilst the market place makes current growth difficult we remain confident about the progress the Group will make in the medium term given the global recognition of its brands and the robustness of the Group's finances.

John Sach
Group Chief Executive
6 October 2009

Walker Greenbank plc

Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement 

For the six months ended 31 July 2009

	Note			6 months to 31 July 2009 £000	6 months to 31 July 2008 £000	12 months to 31 Jan 2009  £000
Revenue	2			29,139	33,007	63,698
Profit from operations before exceptional items				1,049	2,141	3,857
Exceptional items:
- redundancy expenses	4			(246)	-	(146)
- net proceeds from insurance recovery / (costs from insurance event)	4			210	-	(150)
Profit from operations	3			1,013	2,141	3,561
Net defined benefit pension charge Net borrowing costs Amortisation of issue costs	5			(300) (133) (12)	(34) (373) (12)	(79) (669) (26)
Net finance costs				(445)	(419)	(774)
Profit before taxation				568	1,722	2,787
Current tax				(6)	(11)	(57)
Deferred tax - exceptional				-	(320)	(320)
Deferred tax - other				(140)	(455)	(788)
Total tax (charge)/credit	6			(146)	(786)	(1,165)
Profit for the period				422	936	1,622
Earnings per share - Total basic and diluted	7			0.77p	1.70p	2.96p

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 31 July 2009

		6 months to 31 July 2009 £000	6 months to 31 July 2008 £000	Year to 31 Jan 2009 £000
Profit for the period		422	936	1,622
Other Comprehensive Income:
Actuarial losses on scheme assets		-	-	(7,458)
Other actuarial gains on scheme liabilities		-	-	5,458
Currency translation differences		192	30	(350)
Cash flow hedges		905	65	(702)
Recognition/(reduction) of deferred tax asset relating to pension scheme liability		-	(175)	211
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax		1,097	(80)	(2,841)
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to the owners of the parent		1,519	856	(1,219)

  Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 31 July 2009

	Note	As at 31 July 2009 £000	As at 31 July 2008 £000	As at 31 Jan 2009 £000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets		5,821	5,778	5,877
Property, plant & equipment		8,382	8,921	8,734
Deferred income tax assets		5,018	5,105	5,158
Trade and other receivables		6	17	12
		19,227	19,821	19,781
Current assets
Inventories		13,180	13,910	13,887
Trade and other receivables		11,893	13,908	12,552
Cash and cash equivalents		2,039	3,203	1,050
Derivative financial instruments		93	-	-
		27,205	31,021	27,489
Total assets		46,432	50,842	47,270
Current liabilities
Borrowings	8	(5,966)	(400)	(400)
Trade and other payables		(12,426)	(13,730)	(15,118)
Derivative financial instruments		-	(45)	(812)
		(18,392)	(14,175)	(16,330)
Net current assets		8,813	16,846	11,159
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings	8	(2,800)	(12,105)	(6,868)
Retirement benefit obligation	10	(3,810)	(2,783)	(4,161)
		(6,610)	(14,888)	(11,029)
Total liabilities		(25,002)	(29,063)	(27,359)
Net assets		21,430	21,779	19,911
Equity
Share capital		590	590	590
Share premium account		457	457	457
Foreign currency translation reserve		(144)	40	(340)
Accumulated losses		(20,073)	(19,770)	(20,491)
Other reserves		40,600	40,462	39,695
Total equity		21,430	21,779	19,911

Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended 31 July 2009

	Note	6 months to 31 July 2009 £000	6 months to 31 July 2008 £000	Year to 31 Jan 2009 £000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated/(utilised) from operations	9	276	(691)	3,536
Interest paid		(153)	(407)	(704)
Interest received		-	28	35
Income tax paid		(6)	(11)	(37)
		117	(1,081)	2,830
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible fixed assets		(161)	(210)	(420)
Purchase of property, plant & equipment		(459)	(647)	(1,267)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment		-	-	7
		(620)	(857)	(1,680)
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares		-	(83)	(83)
Net drawdown/ (repayment) of borrowings		1,498	3,199	(2,064)
		1,498	3,116	(2,147)
Net increase/ (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts		995	1,178	(997)
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at beginning of period		1,050	2,017	2,017
Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and bank overdrafts		(6)	8	30
Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at the end of the period		2,039	3,203	1,050

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

				Other reserves
	Share capital £000	Share premium account £000	Accumulated losses £000	Capital reserve £000	Merger reserve £000	Hedge Reserve £000	Translation reserve £000	Total £000
Balance at 1 February 2009	590	457	(20,491)	43,457	(2,950)	(812)	(340)	19,911
Profit for the period	-	-	422	-	-	-	-	422
Other comprehensive Income:
Currency translation differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	196	196
Cash flow hedging reserve - released to Income Statement	-	-	-	-	-	458	-	458
Cash flow hedging reserve - recognised in equity during the period	-	-	-	-	-	447	-	447
Net comprehensive Income/(expense)	-	-	422	-	-	905	196	1,523
Transactions with owners:
Reserve for long term incentive charge	-	-	(4)	-	-	-	-	(4)
Balance at 31 July 2009	590	457	(20,073)	43,457	(2,950)	93	(144)	21,430

				Other reserves
	Share capital £000	Share premium account £000	Accumulated losses £000	Capital reserve £000	Merger reserve £000	Hedge Reserve £000	Translation reserve £000	Total £000
Balance at 1 February 2008	590	457	(20,655)	43,457	(2,950)	(110)	10	20,799
Profit for the period	-	-	936	-	-	-	-	936
Other comprehensive Income:
Deferred tax relating to pension scheme liability	-	-	(175)	-	-	-	-	(175)
Currency translation differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	30	30
Cash flow hedging reserve - released to Income Statement	-	-	-	-	-	52	-	52
Cash flow hedging reserve - recognised in equity during the period	-	-	-	-	-	13	-	13
Net comprehensive Income/(expense)	-	-	761	-	-	65	30	856
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	(83)	-	-	-	-	(83)
Reserve for long term incentive plan	-	-	207	-	-	-	-	207
Balance at 31 July 2008	590	457	(19,770)	43,457	(2,950)	(45)	40	21,779

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Continued)

				Other reserves
	Share capital £000	Share premium account £000	Accumulated losses £000	Capital reserve £000	Merger reserve £000	Hedge Reserve £000	Translation reserve £000	Total £000
Balance at 1 February 2008	590	457	(20,655)	43,457	(2,950)	(110)	10	20,799
Profit for the year	-	-	1,622	-	-	-	-	1,622
Other comprehensive Income:
Actuarial losses on scheme assets	-	-	(7,458)	-	-	-	-	(7,458)
Other actuarial gains on scheme liabilities	-	-	5,458	-	-	-	-	5,458
Deferred tax relating to pension scheme liability	-	-	211	-	-	-	-	211
Currency translation differences	-	-	-	-	-	-	(350)	(350)
Cash flow hedging reserve - released to income statement	-	-	-	-	-	110	-	110
Cash flow hedging reserve - recognised in equity during the period	-	-	-	-	-	(812)	-	(812)
Net comprehensive Income/(expense)	-	-	(167)	-	-	(702)	(350)	(1,219)
Transactions with owners:
Reserve for long-term incentive plan	-	-	414	-	-	-	-	414
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	(83)	-	-	-	-	(83)
Balance at 31 January 2009	590	457	(20,491)	43,457	(2,950)	(812)	(340)	19,911

Unaudited Notes to the Accounts

1

Basis of preparation of interim statements

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies that the Group expects to apply in its annual financial statements for the year ending 31 January 2010. The directors have continued to apply the going concern basis of accounting because they remain confident in the future performance of the business and of the replacement of those borrowing facilities which are due to expire within 12 months of the balance sheet date (refer note 8).  The Group's accounting policies are based on International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') adopted for use by the European Union ('EU') and interpretive guidance from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC'). These standards and interpretations are subject to ongoing review and endorsement by the EU or possible amendment by further interpretive guidance from IFRIC and are therefore still subject to change. The Group has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' in preparing these interim financial statements for the period to 31 July 2009 as it is not mandatory for AIM listed companies. Since the Group's previous annual financial report for the year ended 31 January 2009 a number of authoritative pronouncements issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and IFRIC are now effective for financial years ending 31 January 2010, and additional authoritative pronouncements have been issued and will become effective in later years. Except as indicated below, pronouncements now effective for the year ending 31 January 2010 have had no material impact on these interim financial statements and pronouncements due to become effective in later years have not been early adopted by the Group.  The Group will apply the following accounting standards for the first time in its financial statements for the year ending 31 January 2010, and the principles of these standards have also been applied in these interim financial statements: IAS 1 (revised) 'Presentation of financial statements' - adoption of this standard will result in presentational changes to the primary financial statements. Under IAS 1 (revised), entities can choose to present one performance statement (the Statement of Comprehensive Income) or two performance statements (the Income Statement and the Statement of Comprehensive Income). The group has elected to produce two statements: the Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income. IFRS 8 'Operating segments' - adoption of this standard has resulted in changes to the reportable segments of the Group.  Further details of authoritative pronouncements effective for financial years ending 31 January 2010 and additional authoritative pronouncements that have been issued and will become effective in later years will be set out in the financial statements of the Group for the year ending 31 January 2010.  The interim financial statements do not represent statutory accounts for the purposes of S434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the year ended 31 January 2009 is based on the statutory accounts for the financial year ended 31 January 2009, on which the auditors issued an unqualified opinion, and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The interim financial statements for the 6 month period ended 31 July 2009 have not been audited, but have been reviewed by the auditors. The auditors' review report is included following the interim financial statements. The Board approved the interim financial statements on 6 October 2009.

 Unaudited Notes to the Accounts (continued)

2. Segmental analysis

The Board of Walker Greenbank PLC predominantly manages the operations of the Group as two divisions which are the Brands and Manufacturing, which has been the basis of segment information disclosed in previous financial periods. Following the adoption of the principles set out in IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' the Group has identified its operating segments and applied aggregation criteria, as set out in IFRS 8, and has determined that the reportable segments of the Group are as follows:

• Brands - comprising the design, marketing, sales and distribution, and licensing of Harlequin, Sanderson, Zoffany and Morris & Co brands operated from the UK in the retail and contract sectors of the market

• Manufacturing - comprising the wallpaper and fabrics manufacturing businesses operated by Anstey and Standfast

• Overseas - comprising the marketing, sales and distribution operations of the Group's foreign based subsidiaries in Europe and the United States. 

Other group wide activities and expenses, predominantly related to corporate head office costs, long term incentive plan expenses, taxation and eliminations of intersegment items, are presented within 'Eliminations and unallocated'.

Segment information for the comparative periods for the six months ended 31 July 2008 and year ended 31 January 2009 have been restated to ensure a consistent form of presentation following the adoption of IFRS 8 principles. 

a.	Reportable segment information
6 months to 31 July 2008		Brands	Manufacturing	Overseas	Eliminations and unallocated	Total
		£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Revenue - External		20,041	5,494	3,604	-	29,139
Revenue - Internal		720	5,011	-	(5,731)	-
Total Revenue		20,761	10,505	3,604	(5,731)	29,139

Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items	2,151	(84)	124	(1,142)	1,049
Exceptional items (refer note 4):
– redundancy expenses	(64)	(182)	-	-	(246)
– net proceeds from insurance recovery	210	-	-	-	210
Operating profit/(loss)	2,297	(266)	124	(1,142)	1,013
Financial costs	-	-	-	(145)	(145)
Net pension charge	-	-	-	(300)	(300)
Profit/(loss) before tax	2,297	(266)	124	(1,587)	568
Tax				(146)	(146)
Profit/(loss) for the period	2,297	(266)	124	(1,733)	422

Unaudited Notes to the Accounts (continued)

2	Segmental analysis (continued)
a.	Reportable segment information (continued)
6 months to 31 July 2008		Brands	Manufacturing	Overseas	Eliminations and unallocated	Total
		£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Revenue - External		22,341	6,683	3,983	-	33,007
Revenue - Internal		1,044	6,090	-	(7,134)	-
Total Revenue		23,385	12,773	3,983	(7,134)	33,007

Operating profit/(loss)	3,090	672	(119)	(1,502)	2,141
Financial costs	-	-	-	(385)	(385)
Net pension charge	-	-	-	(34)	(34)
Profit/(loss) before tax	3,090	672	(119)	(1,921)	1,722
Tax				(786)	(786)
Profit/(loss) for the period	3,090	672	(119)	(2,707)	936

12 months to 31 January 2009	Brands	Manufacturing	Overseas	Eliminations and unallocated	Total
	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Revenue - External	42,766	12,963	7,969	-	63,698
Revenue - Internal	1,942	10,992	-	(12,934)	-
Total Revenue	44,708	23,955	7,969	(12,934)	63,698

Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items	5,240	931	(8)	(2,306)	3,857
Exceptional items (refer note 4):
- redundancy expenses	-	(146)	-	-	(146)
- net costs from insurance event	(150)	-	-	-	(150)
Operating profit/(loss)	5,090	785	(8)	(2,306)	3,561
Financial costs	-	-	-	(695)	(695)
Net pension charge	-	-	-	(79)	(79)
Profit/(loss) before tax	5,090	785	(8)	(3,080)	2,787
Tax	-	-	-	(1,165)	(1,165)
Profit/(loss) for the year	5,090	785	(8)	(4,245)	1,622

b.	Additional segment information	6 months to 31 July 2009	6 months to 31 July 2008	12 months to 31 January 2009
Revenue by geographical location of customers		£000	£000	£000
United Kingdom		18,863	21,196	41,026
Continental Europe		5,105	5,674	10,987
United States of America		3,022	4,207	7,893
Rest of the World		2,149	1,930	3,792
		29,139	33,007	63,698

Unaudited Notes to the Accounts (continued)

3	Analysis of operating profit by function of expense
			6  months  to 31 July 2009	6 months to 31 July 2008		12 months to 31 January 2009
			£000	£000		£000
	Revenue		29,139	33,007		63,698
	Cost of sales		(11,747)	(13,294)		(25,567)
	Gross profit		17,392	19,713		38,131
	Net operating expenses		(16,379)	(17,572)		(34,570)
	Operating profit		1,013	2,141		3,561

4

Exceptional

Items that are both material and whose nature is sufficient to warrant separate disclosure and identification are disclosed within the financial statements and classified within their relevant income statement category. In the current period, 'Redundancy expenses' and net income from an insurance claim for marketing material products held at third party's premises which were destroyed in a fire in the previous year have been presented as exceptional as these items fall within the group's accounting policy for exceptional items. The insurance loss in the previous year arose due to the uncertainty over the level of insurance settlement recoverable. 

5	Net defined benefit pension costs
		6 months to 31 July 2009	6 months to 31 July  2008	12 months to 31 January  2009
		£000	£000	£000
	Expected return on pension scheme assets	1,160	1,430	2,829
	Interest on pension scheme liabilities	(1,315)	(1,326)	(2,633)
	Scheme expenses	(145)	(138)	(275)
		(300)	(34)	(79)

6	Taxation
			6 months to 31 July  2009	6 months to 31 July  2008	12 months to 31 January 2009
			£000	£000	£000
	UK Corporation tax at 28% (2008:28%)	- current year	-	-	-
	Overseas taxation	- current year	(6)	(11)	(57)
		- prior year	-	-	-
	Deferred tax	- current year	(140)	(455)	(788)
		- exceptional	-	(320)	(320)
	Tax (charge)/credit on profit on ordinary activities		(146)	(786)	(1,165)

Other than overseas taxation, there was no current tax arising in the year to 31 January 2009, as taxable profits arising in the year were offset against available losses from prior years. Because of the previous recognition of deferred tax assets relating to losses of prior years, the Group's taxable profits earned in the six months to 31 July 2009, and in future periods, will result in deferred tax charges being recognised as losses are utilised and as temporary differences originate and reverse. A deferred tax charge of £140,000 (2008: £455,000) arose in the period to 31 July 2009. The tax at the half year has been based on a forecast full year effective tax rate.

Unaudited Notes to the Accounts (continued)

7	Earnings per share
	The basic and diluted earnings per share are based on a profit after taxation of £422,000 (2008: £936,000) and 54,859,000 ordinary shares (2008: 54,995,000), being the weighted average number of the shares in issue during the period, excluding those held in the Employee Share Trust and in treasury, which are treated as cancelled. The basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended 31 January 2009 were based on a profit for the year amounting to £1,622,000 and the weighted average of 54,880,000 ordinary shares in issue during the year.

						Earnings £000	Weighted Average number of shares (000's)	Per share amount pence
	Basic and diluted EPS:
	Earnings attributable to ordinary equity shareholders for the periods to:
	- 6 months to 31 July 2009					422	54,859	0.77
	- 6 months to 31 July 2008					936	54,995	1.70
	- 12 months to 31 January 2009					1,622	54,880	2.96

8	Analysis of net debt
				Reclassifications of Borrowings
		1 February 2009 £000	Cash flow £000	Working capital facilities  (see note below) £000	Current portion of term loans         £000	Exchange movement £000	31 July 2009 £000
	Cash at bank and in hand	1,050	995	-		(6)	2,039
	Borrowings due within 1 year	(400)	200	(5,566)	(200)	-	(5,966)
	Borrowings due after 1 year	(6,868)	(1,698)	5,566	200	-	(2,800)
		(7,268)	(1,498)	-	-	-	(8,766)
	Net debt	(6,218)	(503)	-	-	(6)	(6,727)

The current working capital facilities provided by Barclays will end their initial three year term in July 2010. Negotiations to renew these facilities have commenced. The borrowings under these facilities as at 31 July 2009 were £5,566,000 and have been classified as Borrowings due within 1 year. The directors expect to replace existing working capital facilities before their expiry date. 

Unaudited Notes to the Accounts (continued)

9	Cash generated/(utilised) from operations
			6 months to 31 July 2009 £000	6 months to 31 July 2008 £000	12 months to  31 January  2009 £000
	Operating profit		1,013	2,141	3,561
	Depreciation		782	709	1,470
	Amortisation		217	265	376
	(Credit)/charge for long-term incentive plan recognised in equity		(4)	207	414
	Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment		-	-	6
	Unrealised foreign exchange (gains)/losses included in operating profit		227	-	(499)
	Changes in working capital
	Decrease /(Increase) in inventories		707	(1,364)	(1,341)
	Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables		665	(197)	1,164
	(Decrease)/ Increase in trade and other payables		(2,680)	(1,792)	(288)
	Defined benefit pension cash contributions		(651)	(660)	(1,327)
	Cash generated/(utilised) from operating activities		276	(691)	3,536

10

Retirement benefit obligations The Group operates the following funded pension schemes in the UK: the Walker Greenbank Pension Plan, the Abaris Holdings Limited Pension Scheme and the WG Senior Management Pension Scheme. The Walker Greenbank Pension Plan is the biggest scheme. All schemes contain defined benefits sections, which are closed to new members and the accrual of future benefits, however the Abaris Holdings Limited Pension Scheme also contains a defined contribution section, although this section is relatively small. The pension costs relating to the UK defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the advice of an independent qualified actuary using the projected unit method. These schemes are subject to triennial actuarial reviews with the most recent ones having been April 2006. An updated valuation for IAS 19 financial reporting purposes was completed for the previous annual financial statements to 31 January 2009. The assumptions applied for valuation of the defined benefit schemes are fully disclosed in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2009 and continue to be applied in the half year to 31 July 2009. The net defined benefit pension charge recognised in the half year represents the relevant proportion of the annual amounts expected to be recognised for the year ending 31 January 2010, and are based on previous actuarial estimates. The net retirement benefit obligation recognised at 31 July 2009 is based on the actuarial valuation under IAS 19 at 31 January 2009 updated for movements in net defined benefit pension charge and contributions paid during the half year period. The deferred tax effect of movements in the net retirement benefit obligation has also been recognised in the half year. A full valuation for IAS 19 financial reporting purposes will be completed for the next annual financial statements for the year ending 31 January 2010, at which time any actuarial gains and losses arising due to the recent market volatility throughout the year will be recognised.

 

END

 

 

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