Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.
Overview
Strong financial performance compared to the same period last year
Revenue of £156.8m (2016: £147.2m)
Underlying profit before taxation increased by 12% to £24.5m (2016: £21.8m)
Profit before taxation 25% higher at £21.9m (2016: £17.5m)
Underlying earnings per share rose 9% to 57.5p (2016: 52.9p)
Earnings per share increased by 22% to 50.8p (2016: 41.7p)
Interim dividend increased to 23p per share (2016: 22p per share)
Robust balance sheet, with £71.4m of net funds (30 June 2016: £46.7m)
Debt-free following repayment of loan notes in June 2017
