REG - James Halstead PLC - AGM Statement

James HalsteadAnnouncement

07/12/2018 07:00

RNS Number : 4270J
James Halstead PLC
07 December 2018
 


  7 December 2018
 
JAMES HALSTEAD PLC
 
Chairman's Statement to the Annual General Meeting
 
 
James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring company, is holding its 103rd AGM today at 12.00 noon at which the Chairman, Mr Anthony Wild, will make the following statement: 


"As is customary, I would like to give you an update on trading now that we are five months into the current financial year.
 
In this, my first year as Chairman, I am pleased to announce we have continued our long record of increased dividend payments with the proposed final dividend of 9.65p, being paid today, and we continue to grow our cash balances.
There is much speculation on the future trading relationship of the UK with Europe but our trading is global and we, as a Board, are confident of growth but mindful of potential short term issues. Our robust balance sheet and strong cash flows are undoubtedly key strengths.
It was noted in our Annual Results, announced on 25 September 2018, that we had several new ranges launched into the market place in recent months.
Following a £2m investment in Palettone, our design led homogenous vinyl sheet collection, I am pleased to report that customer interest has already exceeded our expectations and examples of installations are the Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin and the Théâtre du Petit Saint Martin on Rue René Boulanger, Paris. In addition Polysafe Verona Pure Colour (our dementia friendly flooring) has been installed in Marymount Nursing home in Dublin.
In conclusion, trading to date has been encouraging and we have traded ahead of last year in terms of turnover and profits for the first five months. I am confident in the prospects of the Company and more importantly I remain confident of maintaining our impressive record of dividend growth."
 
- Ends -
 
 




Enquiries:
 




James Halstead:


Telephone: 0161 767 2500




Mark Halstead, Chief Executive


 




Gordon Oliver, Finance Director


 




 


 




Hudson Sandler:


Telephone: 020 7796 4133




Nick Lyon / Nick Moore


 




 


 




Panmure Gordon (Nomad and Joint Brokers):


Telephone: 020 7886 2500




Ben Thorne / Dominic Morley


 




 


 




Arden (Joint Broker):


Telephone: 020 7614 5900




Andrew Simms


 




 




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