Next Fifteen Communications this morning reported a 9.3 per cent rise in its adjusted first half pretax profit, and said it is continuing to make good progress as it sees a strong new-business climate mainly in the United States, United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
For the half year ended January 31s-t, it said adjusted pretax profit increased to £3.08 million from £2.81 million a year earlier, while pretax profit fell to £2.01 million s from £2.64 million. Its revenues rose 3.3 per cent to £30.4 million.
The company, which lifted its interim dividend by 12.5 per cent to £0.45, said it is optimistic about the PR market's growth potential in both high-growth markets such as India and China, as well the more established markets such as the UK and US.
The group said it has not been affected by the turmoil in the financial services sector as a result of its strong focus on IT. Next Fifteen also said that in addition to good organic growth continuing it is exploring acquisitions mainly outside the UK.
The group currently has no net debt and continues to be a strong cash generator.