Turnover was up 1.9% to £457.3m (2002, £449.0m) but operating profit decreased by 6.7% to £59.5m (2002, £63.8m), resulting in a reduced operating margin of 13.0% (2002, 14.2%).  Profit before tax declined to £54.1m (2002, £58.5m), a decrease of 7.5%.

Capital Expenditure payments reduced to £15.3m (2002, £16.2m). Net assets have increased by 11.3% to £245.4m (2002, £220.5m), illustrating the continued strength of the group’s balance sheet.