Chime Communications plc, the leading marketing services group, is today publishing its Interim Management Statement relating to the first quarter of the financial year ending 31st December 2008.
Operating income for the first quarter of 2008 was 29% higher than the first quarter of 2007 with double digit growth in each of our three divisions.
Margin levels have been maintained and the Group has achieved approximately 25% of its operating profit target for the year in the first quarter compared to under 20% in previous years. The tight cost control structure that was put in place in the second half of 2007 has continued and the proportion of costs that are variable has increased.
The Group’s financial position continues to be strong and there have been no material events or transactions affecting the Group.
New clients already won in 2008 include:
Artumus Group
A.T. Kearney
Bebo
British Basketball
British Chicken Marketing Council
British Council
BUPA
Charles Russell
Donovan Data Systems
Hiscox
International Finance Corporation, Washington DC
Johnson & Johnson
Land Securities
National Grid
School Food Trust
Tesco
Thames Water
Tiscali
The Government’s campaign for Alcohol Harm Reduction
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games (LOCOG)
Zabeel Properties
Commenting on the first quarter Lord Bell, Chairman, said:
“Our terrific performance in 2007 has continued into 2008. We believe our first quarter performance and our strategy of bearing down on fixed costs has put us in a strong position to meet our full year expectations even if the predicted slow down does occur in the second half of the year”.
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For further information please contact:
Lord Bell, Chairman
020 7861 8515
Chime Communications
Christopher Satterthwaite, Chief Executive
020 7861 8515
Chime Communications
Mike Davies/Chris Hamilton
020 7861 3232
Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
Notes to Editors
About Chime
• Chime Communications plc is the holding company for a number of leading public relations, marketing services and research consultancy firms.
• The Chime Group consists of one of the UK's leading public relations groups, Bell Pottinger; a research and consultation business, Opinion Leader; VCCP, one of the fastest growing advertising and marketing services groups in the UK and Fast Track, the UK’s leading Sports Marketing Agency.
• The Chime Group helps clients create, manage, monitor and market their businesses, brands and reputations both in the UK and internationally.
