Interim Results

Spice Holdings PLC 16 January 2006 16 January 2006 Interim Results 30 October 2005 Spice Holdings plc ('Spice' or 'the Group'), the provider of outsourced support services, is pleased to announce its interim results for the period ended 30 October 2005. Financial highlights Profit before tax of £3.0 million (2004: £1.8 million) - 61% increase EBITA of £3.8 million (2004: £2.5 million) - 53% increase Basic earnings per share of 5.4 pence (2004: 4.6 pence) - 17% increase Adjusted diluted earnings per share of 6.4 pence (2004: 5.3 pence) - 21% increase Interim dividend of 0.7 pence per share (2004: 0.5 pence) Operational highlights July 2005 Launch of Freedom Data Services July 2005 Acquisition of Lamva September 2005 Acquisition of Circle Britannia and Serviceline September 2005 Placing of 7 million shares raising net proceeds of £14.5 million September 2005 Acquisition of Hutchison September 2005 BAA letter of agreement November 2005 Acquisition of Kemac Simon Rigby, Chief Executive Officer commented: 'We have delivered excellent growth in the first half of the financial year. 'The Board believes that prospects for the Group remain strong, based on its position in expanding markets and its highly focused and motivated team. The Group's trading performance in the second half of the year continues to be in line with our expectations. 'We look to the future with a degree of confidence.' ...Ends... For further information, please contact: Spice Holdings plc Tel: 0113 384 3838 Simon Rigby, Chief Executive Officer Oliver Lightowlers, Group Finance Director Carl Chambers, Corporate Development Director Financial Dynamics Tel: 020 7831 3113 Sally Lewis Billy Clegg Chief Executive Officer's statement Overall performance I am delighted to present our interim results for the period ended 30 October 2005. The Group has again delivered strong financial performance from its existing operations and also from acquisitions made during the period. Turnover for the six months ended 30 October 2005, arising from continuing operations, was £55.6 million (2004: £41.3 million) and profit on ordinary activities before tax was £3.0 million (2004: £1.8 million), increases of 35% and 61% respectively. At the same time our EBITA operating margins improved to 6.9% (2004: 6.0%). Spice operates via four trading divisions. Looking at each in turn: Electricity Services The first six months of the financial year have been a very busy time for Electricity Services, particularly with the acquisition of Lamva Limited (Lamva) and the launch of Freedom Data Services in July 2005. I am pleased to report that Electricity Services has delivered profit before tax and interest of £1.6 million (2004: £1.2 million) for the six month period ended 30 October 2005, a 38% improvement on the comparative period. Of this increase in profits in the period, Lamva contributed £0.3 million. Lamva provides civil and electrical services to the electricity utility sector including switchgear changes; new connections; overhead line renewal and maintenance; electrical and civil design services; and wayleaves services. The business operates primarily in the East and South of England and its customers include electricity distribution companies and wind farm operators. Spice has worked alongside Lamva, for many years, as fellow Key Strategic Partners of EdF Energy, the distribution network operator. The acquisition of Lamva, which following the acquisition has been re-branded as Freedom Projects, has accelerated the development of Electricity Services towards the higher value added areas of professional and technical services where better margins can be obtained. Utilising the expertise of Freedom Projects with our existing Technical Services business, we are now constructing networks to several wind farms within the UK and have recently won projects in Dundee and Kettering. We have developed partnerships and alliances with wind farm developers which allow us to work across the value chain, from obtaining wayleaves and consents to installing the infrastructure, electrical network, commissioning of turbines and the ongoing maintenance of the network on behalf of the wind farm operator. With the political pressure on developing clean energy this is a particular area where Electricity Services will develop its service offering. Further acquisitions will be targeted to widen Electricity Services' customer base, and to add additional high valued skills which will enable us to grow our private network customer base, in conjunction with Facilities Services. Whilst acquisitions are adding to the growth of the business, it is pleasing to report that the existing Electricity Services' businesses have continued to grow organically. This trend will continue into the second half as our cross selling efforts continue to bear fruit. The recently formed business of Freedom Data Services, which manages utility drawings, plans and other databases, is already performing ahead of schedule and has won projects and contracts with National Grid. Further, Freedom Data Services has made a positive contribution in the first half of the financial year. With the pressure on utilities to reduce their operating costs, we anticipate that there will be added impetus to outsourcing data management. Electricity Services, under its Freedom brand, is developing a 'Cradle to Grave' approach to utility network projects. This, alongside the recent distribution price review settlements reached with the distribution network operators which nationally allows for an average 48% increase in capital spend over the next five years, will enable Electricity Services to be well placed to increase its customer base and market share. To enable us to both develop the Freedom brand and to meet our aspirations, Electricity Services is investing in its key resource, which is people, and presently has 10% of its staff as trainees and apprentices. By pursuing more stability through framework contracts, this will enable us to recruit both graduates and apprentices to fill the UK skills shortage in engineering. Facilities Services The newly established Facilities Services Division was created in September 2005 by the acquisition of Circle Britannia Limited (Circle Britannia) and its sister company Serviceline (Nationwide) Limited (Serviceline). I am pleased to report that Facilities Services has performed ahead of our expectations for the two months since the acquisition and that the business contributed profit before interest and tax of £0.3 million during the six month period ended 30 October 2005. Circle Britannia is a provider of outsourced facilities services to corporate clients and reinstatement services for major insurers. Serviceline provides outsourced maintenance helpdesk services delivered either as part of an integrated facilities management service, incorporating Circle Britannia's facilities service operation, or as a stand alone service managing client's existing suppliers. The activities of Circle Britannia and Serviceline have many similarities to those carried out by Electricity Services, which maintains and renews both electrical and building infrastructure within the utilities sector. In forming this division, the Group acquired a highly prestigious client base which includes Starbucks, Norwich Union, Dixons and Waterstones. The acquisition provides the Group with a bridgehead into the commercial facilities management sector. The facilities management market is estimated to be worth £100 billion in the UK with the contracted-out element of this market estimated to be worth around £60 billion. The sector is fast growing with significant future potential. Already some sizeable opportunities have arisen, resulting from Spice's acquisition, and these organic growth opportunities are being rigorously pursued. Further acquisition opportunities will also be sought to accelerate the development of Facilities Services. Opportunities that are being considered include bolt ons to our existing business and also activities that we view as being complementary including energy management,, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) maintenance and M&E (mechanical and electrical) maintenance. Telecoms Services AirRadio continues to deliver improved performance as revenues increased by 12% compared to the comparative six month period. Additional radio network capacity has been added to both the Heathrow and Gatwick networks in order that we can take full advantage of the British Airports Authority (BAA) contract agreed in September 2005. We continue to look for new opportunities at UK airports to expand our operations, with Southampton being added to the network in this period. We hope to add a minimum of two further airports in the second half of this financial year. Work for our biggest client British Airways (BA) continues to develop steadily as we provide consultancy services connected to Heathrow Terminal 5 together with other projects. Our biggest area of growth has been within non-BA revenues which have grown by 67% compared with the same period last year. Our Team Telecom business has benefited from a slight improvement in market conditions in the wireless communications market and financial performance for this business has been in line with expectations. In September we acquired Hutchison Communications Systems Limited and Hutchison Communications Systems (France) SARL (Hutchison), a specialised telecommunications maintenance business, which provides first line maintenance and support to internet protocol (IP) & telephony network operators. Hutchison operates on a pan European basis and is well placed to tap into the growth in this market. We are currently undertaking a process of integrating and merging this business with Team Telecom, in order to gain economies of scale in management, operations and administration. We anticipate that this process will be completed in the second half of the financial year and expect to see a positive impact to profits in this period. Team Simoco, our Professional Mobile Radio business, continues to re-develop its UK and overseas distribution channels, adding some 46 new distributors in the first six months of the financial year, which has been aided by the introduction of a series of new radio and trunking products which revolutionise the way this type of technology is both priced and used. During the first half of the financial year, Team Simoco secured the sale of the first UK commercial terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) system which is a considerable regulatory breakthrough and one we hope to exploit over the coming months and years ahead. Standard product sales grew steadily (some 31% increase) and UK maintenance services continue to build, showing a 20% improvement compared to the same period last year. However, the business continues to suffer from slower than anticipated international systems sales. Telecoms Services reported a profit before interest and tax for the six month period ended 30 October 2005 of £0.7 million (2004: £1.0 million), which is disappointing. Whilst most of the potential international systems bids remain live and have not been lost to competitors, the overall performance of the Telecoms Division has been adversely impacted by this delay. Water Services I am pleased to report that Water Services has delivered profit before interest and tax of £2.3 million (2004: £1.5 million) for the six months ended 30 October 2005. This represents a 52% increase against the comparative six month period. This profit growth arises from each of our operating businesses and includes the benefit, for the first time, of a positive contribution of £0.4 million from Atlantic Water Services (AWS). H2O Water Services (H2O) and AWS, which undertake water meter installation and small works operations, delivered enhanced performance as a result of the completion of the integration plan, which has included the centralisation of operating centres allowing more efficient use of resources. Recently secured work from Brey Utilities (a consortium to deliver water and wastewater services across Ministry of Defence sites in the Midlands, Wales and South West) has aided in widening both our client and geographical base. In addition, we have been able to exploit other opportunities by leveraging from the skills and resources of the other companies within Water Services. This, together with works being undertaken for our other major clients including United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, South East Water and Scottish Water, provides a firm platform for future growth. Shortly after the period end in November 2005, Water Services completed the acquisition of Kemac Services Limited (Kemac). Kemac provides meter survey and installation, meter reading, leakage detection, water regulations inspection and rectification and emergency plumbing services to the water utility market in the UK. Its customers include a number of major water utilities, whose geographic territories are complementary to those in which Water Services already operates. Metro Rod, which provides drain and environmental services, increased commercial and key client revenues by 10% compared to the comparative period. Performance within the business also benefited from the implementation of a new control system within the franchisee network. This has included jointly setting targets and objectives with franchisees, followed by the monitoring of subsequent performance in order to stimulate growth. These system improvements are also expected to benefit the business in the longer term. Meter U has experienced continued organic revenue and profit growth during the period. Meter U is now reading around 1.4 million meters per month compared to approximately 1.0 million meters at the end of the last financial year. Our relationship with our key client, Siemens, continues to develop. During the period, 120 gas meter readers have been recruited in the South of England. In order to facilitate further resource growth, a number of initiatives have been put in place including the development of links with the armed forces' redeployment service and the implementation of a new franchising package. Acquisitions Three acquisitions have been made during the period. In July 2005, we acquired the issued share capital of Lamva for net consideration of £5.7 million. Consideration was settled by £5.2 million in cash and £0.5 million in shares. This acquisition reinforces our presence and expertise in the higher value specialist electricity services market, whilst enhancing our ability to continue our expansion in other parts of the country. In September 2005, we acquired the issued share capital of Circle Britannia and Serviceline for cash consideration of £15.2 million. In September 2005, we also acquired the issued share capital of Hutchison for initial cash consideration of £1.1 million. Deferred consideration of up to £3.9 million will also be paid in cash, depending on the earnings of Hutchison in the 12 months to 28 February 2007. The total cash consideration payable will not exceed £5.0 million. Subsequent to the period under review in November 2005, we acquired the issued share capital of Kemac for initial cash consideration of £2.0 million. Deferred consideration of up to £4.0 million will also be paid in cash, depending on the earnings of Kemac for the 18 months to April 2007. The total cash consideration payable will not exceed £6.0 million. Integration of these acquired businesses is progressing according to plan. Financial Review Profitability and net margins have continued to improve. Turnover Turnover from existing operations at £46.7 million (2004: £41.3 million) is up 12.9% on the comparative six months. Organic growth has been delivered within all areas of the business, apart from Team Simoco, which has continued to suffer from slower than anticipated international sales. In addition, acquisitions made during the period contributed £8.9 million of turnover, giving rise to total Group turnover for the period of £55.6 million (2004: £41.3 million), an increase of 34.5%. Profit on ordinary activities before interest, tax and amortisation of intangible fixed assets (EBITA) EBITA increased by 53.3% to £3.8 million (2004: £2.5 million). Acquisitions contributed £0.8 million to EBITA in the period. Overall EBITA operating margins were 6.9% compared with 6.0% for the comparative six month period. Margins were improved within our Electricity and Water divisions - Electricity Services EBITA margins were 6.9% against 6.8% last year, Water Services margins were 11.8% against 9.2%. EBITA margins within Telecoms Services reduced from 18.1% to 14.6%. EBITA margins within Facilities Services were 10.6%. Interest Interest payable was reduced to £0.3 million (2004: £0.4 million). The reduction in interest charge arises from the benefit of the original flotation and placing proceeds together with the cash generation of our operations offset by the cost of acquisitions made. During the period, the Group has also taken the opportunity to re-negotiate its banking facilities with HSBC which has resulted in more favourable borrowing terms. At 30 October 2005, the Group had significant unutilised banking facilities. Interest cover for the period is 10.5 times compared with 5.8 times last year. Profit on ordinary activities before tax Profit on ordinary activities before tax has increased to £3.0 million (2004: £1.8 million). Earnings per share Basic earnings per share at 5.4 pence (2004: 4.6 pence) increased by 17.4% and adjusted diluted earnings per share at 6.4 pence (2004: 5.3 pence) by 20.7%. In prior periods, the Group's ESOP had had adequate shares to satisfy all options vested and also options granted but not yet vested. As a result of options granted in the period, this is no longer the case and new shares will have to be either issued or bought on the market to make up this difference. Dividend The Board has approved an interim dividend of 0.7 pence (2004: 0.5 pence) per share payable on 14 February 2006 to shareholders on the register at 27 January 2006. In so doing, the Board has increased the proportion of the anticipated full year dividend that is payable in respect of the first half. The dividend is covered six times (2004: seven) by earnings. Cashflow Net cash inflows from operating activities increased by £3.3 million to £3.1 million (2004 net cash outflow: £0.2 million). During the period working capital utilised increased by circa £1.7 million connected principally with the acquisitions made. In September 2005, the Group placed 7,009,346 new shares at a price of 214 pence with institutional and other investors to raise net proceeds of approximately £14.5 million. Balance Sheet Net assets have increased to £35.6 million (2004 as restated: £15.2 million), reflecting the impact of the net placing proceeds (£14.5 million) together with retained profit for the period and cash generated from the exercise of employee share options. Net debt is £9.3 million (2004: £7.0 million). Outlook We remain pleased with the overall Group performance to date and trading continues to be in line with our expectations. The Board believes that the long term prospects for the Group remain strong based on its position in our expanding markets, driven by our focussed and motivated team. W S Rigby Chief Executive Officer 16 January 2006 Consolidated profit and loss account for the six months ended 30 October 2005 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 as restated as restated Turnover: - Continuing operations 46,665 41,318 85,508 - Acquisitions 8,915 - - Group turnover 2, 6 55,580 41,318 85,508 Cost of sales (39,028) (29,113) (59,713) Gross profit 16,552 12,205 25,795 Administrative expenses (12,726) (9,975) (19,943) EBITA 3,826 2,495 6,208 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets (567) (265) (356) Operating profit: - Continuing operations 2,662 2,230 5,852 - Acquisitions 597 - - Group operating profit 3,259 2,230 5,852 Profit/(loss) arising on disposal of fixed assets 31 - (77) Net interest payable (311) (384) (567) Profit on ordinary activities before tax 2,979 1,846 5,208 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 3 (867) (554) (1,515) Profit on ordinary activities after tax 2,112 1,292 3,693 Equity minority interests - (5) (5) Profit for the period 2,112 1,287 3,688 Dividends 4 (633) - (177) Retained profit for the period 1,479 1,287 3,511 Earnings per share (pence per share) Basic 5 5.4 4.6 11.6 Diluted 5 5.1 4.4 10.8 Consolidated balance sheet as at 30 October 2005 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 as restated as restated Fixed assets Development expenditure 815 576 712 Purchased goodwill 29,678 6,329 6,950 Negative goodwill (174) (394) (174) Intangible fixed assets 30,319 6,511 7,488 Tangible fixed assets 12,702 12,013 11,876 Investments 212 212 212 43,233 18,736 19,576 Current assets Stock 3,480 2,131 1,773 Debtors 26,701 15,043 16,609 30,181 17,174 18,382 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (28,007) (15,626) (16,990) Net current assets 2,174 1,548 1,392 Total assets less current liabilities 45,407 20,284 20,968 Creditors - amounts falling due after (8,739) (3,154) (1,437) more than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges (1,076) (1,882) (1,389) Net assets 35,592 15,248 18,142 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 4,946 4,213 4,213 Share premium account 27,462 13,116 13,104 Revaluation reserve 1,513 1,724 1,555 Capital redemption reserve 100 100 100 Profit and loss account 1,571 (3,905) (830) Equity shareholders' funds 7 35,592 15,248 18,142 Consolidated cash flow statement for the six months ended 30 October 2005 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 8a) 3,069 (214) 4,024 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Net interest paid (310) (378) (560) Interest element of finance lease payments (1) (6) (7) (311) (384) (567) Taxation (94) (880) (1,483) Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible owned fixed assets (1,008) (572) (2,308) Development expenditure (206) (103) (329) Sale of tangible fixed assets 348 373 1,786 (866) (302) (851) Acquisitions and disposals Purchase of trade and assets - net consideration paid - (566) (1,362) Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (23,422) - - Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings 2,015 - - (21,407) (566) (1,362) Equity dividends paid (633) - (177) Net cash outflow before financing (20,242) (2,346) (416) Financing Principal repayment due under finance leases (36) (65) (133) Sale of investments - own shares 880 459 1,141 Net proceeds from issue of shares 14,526 11,279 11,267 Bank loan repayments (1,672) (9,820) (11,812) Bank loan advances 9,000 1,750 1,750 22,698 3,603 2,213 Increase in cash 8c) 2,456 1,257 1,797 Notes to the interim report for the six months ended 30 October 2005 1 Basis of accounting The interim financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as were used in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2005 except for the adoption of FRS 21 Events After The Balance Sheet Date and FRS 22 Earnings per Share on 1 May 2005. Comparative numbers have been restated to reflect the impact of the adoption of FRS 21 and FRS 22 where appropriate. In addition, FRS 25 Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation was adopted on 1 May 2005 and considered in determining disclosures made within the interim financial statements. The interim financial statements are unaudited. The interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 October 2005 and for the six months ended 31 October 2004 contained within the interim report do not constitute statutory financial statements. The figures for the year ended 30 April 2005 have been extracted from the financial statements for 2005. These financial statements received an unqualified auditors' report and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. 2 Turnover Turnover, which excludes value added tax, arises from several activities. Turnover is recognised in the profit and loss account at the point that a service is provided or products supplied for each of the following activities: • facilities management and maintenance services; • private mobile radio products; • drain care, maintenance, repair and cleaning services; • services for the development and support of telecommunications networks; • employment agency services; • property maintenance; and • information technology installation, commissioning and maintenance activities. 3 Taxation The taxation charge on the profit on ordinary activities has been based upon the estimated effective tax rate of 29.1% (2004: 30.0%) for the current year. 4 Dividends The Board has approved an interim dividend and it is proposed that an interim dividend for the period ended 30 October 2005 of 0.7 pence per share (2004: 0.5 pence), amounting to £310,000 (2004: £177,000), will be paid on 14 February 2006 to those shareholders on the register at 27 January 2006. Dividends amounting to £36,000 (2004: £34,000) have been waived by the ESOP trust and deducted in arriving at the aggregate dividend to be paid. The adoption of FRS 21 has given rise to an increase in retained profit and shareholders' funds of £614,000 at 30 April 2005. In accordance with FRS 21, the interim dividend for the period ended 30 October 2005 will be accounted for, following payment of that dividend, in the second half of the financial year. 5 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue during each period. The weighted average number of shares, after adjusting for shares held by the ESOP, in issue during the period used in the calculation of basic earnings per share was as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 '000 '000 '000 Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share 38,845 28,253 31,900 5 Earnings per share (continued) Diluted earnings per share is the basic earnings per share adjusted for the effect of the conversion into fully paid shares of the weighted average number of share options outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of shares in issue during the period used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share was as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 '000 '000 '000 Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share 41,246 29,554 34,043 Adjusted earnings per share have been calculated so as to exclude the effect of the amortisation of all intangible fixed assets and non operating exceptional items. Adjusted earnings per share have been presented in order that the effects on reported earnings of the amortisation of intangible fixed assets and non operating exceptional items can be fully appreciated. Adjusted earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share reconciles to basic earnings as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Basic earnings 2,112 1,287 3,688 Non operating exceptional items (31) - 77 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 567 265 356 Adjusted earnings 2,648 1,552 4,121 Earnings per share (pence per share) Basic 5.4 4.6 11.6 Diluted 5.1 4.4 10.8 Adjusted earnings per share (pence per share) Basic 6.8 5.5 12.9 Diluted 6.4 5.3 12.1 6 Segmental analysis The turnover for the period was derived from the Group's principal activities and is attributable to the following markets: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 By destination UK 54,570 40,037 83,830 Continental Europe 667 700 853 Rest of the World 343 581 825 55,580 41,318 85,508 6 Segmental analysis (continued) Turnover for the period is derived from the Group's principal activities as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Electricity Services 25,352 17,860 36,742 Facilities Services 3,865 - - Telecoms Services 6,396 6,855 13,493 Water Services 19,837 16,500 35,045 Head office 130 103 228 55,580 41,318 85,508 Profit before tax is derived from the Group's principal activities as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Electricity Services 1,601 1,161 2,780 Facilities Services 295 - - Telecoms Services 687 1,043 2,373 Water Services 2,276 1,496 2,937 Head office (1,600) (1,470) (2,238) 3,259 2,230 5,852 Non operating exceptional items 31 - (77) Net interest payable (311) (384) (567) 2,979 1,846 5,208 7 Reconciliation of movement in equity shareholders' funds Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 as restated as restated Profit for the period 2,112 1,287 3,688 Dividends (633) - (177) Retained profit for the period 1,479 1,287 3,511 Proceeds from sale of own shares 880 458 1,141 Issue of shares 15,565 12,636 12,636 Costs of share issue (474) (1,356) (1,369) Net addition to equity shareholders' funds 17,450 13,025 15,919 Opening equity shareholders' funds 18,142 2,223 2,223 Closing equity shareholders' funds 35,592 15,248 18,142 8 Notes to the cash flow statement 8a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow/(outflow) Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating profit 3,259 2,230 5,852 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 925 865 1,720 Amortisation of negative goodwill - - (220) Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 567 265 576 (Increase)/decrease in stocks (749) 233 742 Increase in debtors (3,479) (705) (2,271) Increase/(decrease) in creditors 2,546 (3,102) (2,375) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 3,069 (214) 4,024 8b) Analysis of net debt At At 1 May Non cash 30 October 2005 Cash flows movements 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Bank overdraft (2,713) 2,456 - (257) Increase/(decrease) in cash during the (2,713) 2,456 - (257) period Bank loans due within one year (243) (24) - (267) Bank loans due after one year (1,429) (7,304) - (8,733) Finance leases due within one year (55) 34 (1) (22) Finance leases due after one year (8) 2 - (6) Net debt (4,448) (4,836) (1) (9,285) 8c) Reconciliation of net cash inflow to movement in net debt Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 30 October 31 October 30 April 2005 2004 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Increase in cash in the year 2,456 1,257 1,797 Cash inflow from increase in debt and lease financing (22,698) (3,603) (2,213) Change in net debt resulting from cash flows (20,242) (2,346) (416) Net proceeds received from share issue 14,526 11,279 11,267 Sale of investments - own shares 880 459 1,141 New and acquired finance leases (1) (36) (36) Net debt at 1 May (4,448) (16,404) (16,404) Net debt at 30 October (9,285) (7,048) (4,448) 9 Availability of interim report The interim report will be sent to all shareholders on 17 January 2006. Copies may be obtained from the Company Secretary at PO Box 111, Bradford Road, Morley, Leeds LS27 0YE for a period of one month from today's date. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings