Key points:
|
Continuing operations |
2017 |
2016 |
|
|
Revenue |
£105.4m |
£88.9m |
18.6% increase |
|
Operating profit |
£18.4m |
£16.2m |
13.8% increase |
|
Profit before tax |
£18.4m |
£16.3m |
12.8% increase |
|
Basic earnings per share |
12.54p |
11.24p |
11.6% increase |
· Total interim and final dividend of 4.90p (2016: 4.05p) – an increase of 21.0%
· Revenue and operating profit driven by strong performance across the Group
· Significant revenue and operating profit growth at Thorlux, supported by the success of SmartScan wireless lighting controls
OUTLOOK
This year's excellent performance will be difficult to replicate, as we will have to contend with ongoing economic uncertainty from Brexit, government instability and exchange rate variations.
We see ourselves better placed to respond to these issues nowadays, with manufacturing facilities in the UK and in mainland Europe, as well as revenue generated in a number of different countries from our own local sales offices.
We continue to review options for further acquisitions. We have the financial capacity, so it could be said that it is easy to acquire, and there are indeed frequent options for us to review. To find the right acquisition – one that meets our criteria and does not become a future liability – is not as easy as it might seem.
The general management team remains the same experienced group, and our intention is to continue on the same path of steady, sustainable growth.