We have achieved another year of strong, profitable growth. Revenue is up 14.5% to £1,407.2m and operating profit before amortisation is up 20.5% to £72.2m. These results have driven earnings per share before other items* up 21.1% to 14.9p per share and our full year dividend up 17.6% to 6.0p per share.

Our order book has grown to £4.4bn (2007: £4.1bn) and we have secured 78% of our budgeted revenue for the year ending 31 March 2009 (2007: 75%).

Our balance sheet remains strong and we have capacity for growth; we have low levels of gearing with net debt at £15.6m (2007: £8.1m) and our pension funds are in net surplus. We remain focused on the achievement of sustainable, profitable growth.

Revenue (£m) £1,407.2m +14.5%
Operating profit before amortisation (£m) £72.2m +20.5%
Earnings per share before other items* (£m) 14.9p +21.1%
Dividend per share (p) 6.0p +17.6%

* Other items are non-cash acquisition related items, being amortisation of intangible assets and unwinding of discount on deferred contingent consideration.


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