| 30 June 2006 | 30 June 2005 | |
| Revenue | £75.2m | £74.6m |
| Operating profit (before exceptional items) | £9.0m | £10.7m |
| Operating margin (before exceptional items) | 12.0% | 14.3% |
| Exceptional items: Restructuring charge Profit on sale of land |
£(1.0)m - |
- £6.1m |
| Profit before tax | £7.1m | £15.9m |
| Earnings per share | 3.1p | 7.0p |
| Earnings per share (before exceptional items) | 3.6p | 4.3p |
| Interim dividend per share | 1.425p | 1.375p |
| Net debt | £29.4m | £20.6m |
"Overall, our worldwide sales volume for the first half of 2006 was slightly ahead of the equivalent period in 2005, but some external factors, in particular much higher energy prices, have resulted in a lower trading profit for the six months to 30 June 2006 when compared with last year.
"We remain committed to improving our market position, products and technologies. As previously reported, we have accelerated our investment in Cutisin and we are also well advanced in initiatives to improve our other operations. We expect our product offering in 2007 to be broader, stronger and backed by greater manufacturing capacity. Therefore, while the business faces external cost and market challenges in the short term, the directors remain confident about the future prospects for the company."
| Graeme Alexander | Chief Executive | 020 7404 5959 on 6.9.06 |
| John Neilson | Finance Director | 01236 879191 thereafter |
| Jon Coles Mark Antelme |
Brunswick | 020 7404 5959 |