TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to report that we have enjoyed a very successful and positive year.
Total sales have increased by 18% and like for like sales have risen by nearly 6%.
UK total sales have increased by 21% and by more than 6% on a like for like basis. CI sales grew by 1%.
In the UK garden centres sales have grown broadly in line with the industry and there have been excellent performances in the Plants, Sundries, Home and Christmas categories.
After a modest start to the Christmas season for everyone, December sales were strong and Christmas sales in the UK outperformed the industry.
Newbridge Garden Centre has exceeded our expectations and Trelawney Garden Centre has traded in line with expectations. The redevelopment of Festival Garden Centre has led to a significant increase in sales.
Chairman Simon Burke comments, "I am delighted that we can report such a strong performance in the business. The key gardening and Christmas seasons have gone well and we expect to report a profit significantly ahead of 2014. Everyone has worked very hard to achieve this and I would like to thank them all for their efforts."
Yours faithfully,
Richard Hemans Group Finance Director and Company Secretary
