In the UK & Ireland we have improved margins by 20 basis points in the first half despite the difficult economic conditions
(2009: £939m)
(2009: 5.8%)
(2009: £54m)
(2009: (3.6)%)
Revenues in the UK & Ireland were £897 million (2009: £939 million). We continue to streamline the back office and improve productivity and this has enabled us to improve margins by 20 basis points in the first half, despite the difficult economic conditions. Operating profit was £54 million (2009: £54 million).
In the Business & Industry sector we continue to win good levels of new business. For example, we have recently won a new contract with Aviva to provide a range of catering and hospitality services, and have renewed our contract with KPMG. The business has continued to focus on driving labour cost efficiencies, significantly reducing the overall cost.
We have maintained our growth momentum by winning new business in the Sports & Leisure sector. For example, we have won a new contract with Championship team Sheffield United to provide both match and non-match day catering and hospitality at their Bramall Lane Stadium, the world’s oldest professional football ground. We have also renewed our contract with Chelsea Football Club at both Stamford Bridge and the Cobham Training Facility and a contract extension has been secured with Leeds Castle in Kent.
The work over the last few years in the Education sector is starting to show benefits. We have recently retained our contracts with Sherborne Girls Boarding School, the International Study Centre (Herstmonceux Castle) and Oaklands College.
Growth in the Healthcare sector has been excellent with increased levels of new business and like for like volume growth. The extension of our retail offer has driven much of this growth. New business wins include King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where we will be using our ‘Steamplicity’ concept as well as providing support services, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where we will be putting in place a high street style café alongside a foodcourt that showcases our offer.
(2009: 14%)
