26 April 2022

Billington Holdings Plc

("Billington" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Results for the year ended 31 December 2021

Billington Holdings Plc (AIM: BILN), one of the UK's leading structural steel and construction safety solutions specialists, announces its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Highlights

* before an impairment charge of £1.1 million relating to a client with whom the Company was completing a contract which entered administration shortly after the year end.  The Company has taken the decision to provide for the debt owed while continuing to seek recovery of the monies.

·    Revenue increased by 25.3 per cent to £82.7 million for the Group (2020: £66.0 million) as activity levels improved following the peak of the pandemic shutdowns experienced in 2020

·    The Group remained profitable in challenging market conditions with underlying profit before tax of £1.3 million (2020: £1.7 million)

·    Continuing strong cash balance of £10.4 million (2020: £15.1 million) at the year end with cash position reflective of higher than historic levels of inventory at the year end

·    Dividend declared of 3.00 pence per share (2020: 4.25 pence per share) - covered 2.7 times by underlying earnings

·    Large industrial warehouse contracts secured post year end

·    The market remains challenging, but significant contracts secured for 2022, with a good pipeline of further opportunities

Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Billington, commented:

"2021 was a year of partial recovery for our markets as the worst effects of the Covid-19 pandemic abated.  However, the Group continued to face challenges from the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, raw material price increases, together with supply constraints for certain materials and labour.  Despite these challenges we operated our facilities at full utilisation and remained profitable as a Company.

"Whilst the market remains competitive, and market conditions and the macroeconomic environment remain challenging, Billington's order book continues at a consistently high level, comprising both delayed and new projects, and the Group has good visibility of significant further prospects.  I anticipate an improvement in the Group's financial performance in 2022 and I am confident about the future prospects for the Group."

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About Billington Holdings Plc

Billington Holdings Plc (AIM: BILN), one of the UK's leading structural steel and construction safety solutions specialists, is a UK based group of companies focused on structural steel and engineering activities throughout the UK and European markets. Group companies pride themselves on the provision of high technical and professional standards of service to niche markets with emphasis on building strong, trusted and long-standing partnerships with all of our clients.

Chairman's Statement

2021 was a year of partial recovery as activity started to return, although significant impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic continued to be experienced and challenges such as substantial increases in steel prices were encountered.  Margin pressure remained across the industry with material price increases and the availability of certain products and labour arising throughout the period.  However, as with 2020, Billington remained profitable in 2021 and with our strong balance sheet we are well placed to take advantage of future market recovery.

In 2021 revenue increased by 25.3 per cent to £82.7 million (2020: £66.0 million) with underlying profit before tax decreasing by 23.5 per cent to £1.3 million (2020: £1.7 million).  The overall underlying Earnings Per Share ("EPS") for the year amounted to 8.1 pence (0.6 pence after impairment charge) compared with 11.3 pence in 2020, a 28.3 per cent decrease.  However, our balance sheet remained strong with Net Assets of £29.4 million at 31 December 2021 (2020: £29.2 million), with a continuing strong gross cash balance of £10.4 million at 31 December 2021 (31 December 2020: £15.1 million), despite higher than historic levels of inventory and contract work in progress at the year end, partially as a result of forward buying raw materials to mitigate market price increases.

Billington Structures entered 2021 with a strong order book, although business was heavily impacted by steel price increases and the results depressed by lower margin projects.  The second half of the year was particularly challenging to manage as previously delayed projects commenced.  However, the structures businesses navigated well through these issues and the prospects for 2022 are more encouraging, with a number of higher margin projects expected.  The conscious decision to take delivery of a large quantity of steel prior to the year-end was to secure supply and ensure margin preservation on secured contracts.  It is anticipated that the high steel stock levels at the year end will be consumed by the end of Q1 2022 leading to a return to historic levels of inventory and contract work in progress.

Peter Marshall Steel Stairs continued the strong performance seen in 2020 into 2021, recording record revenues for the year.  Whilst the business was impacted by steel price increases, it retained robust margins, which were not as heavily impacted as those in the Group's other structural steel businesses.  It currently enjoys a strong order book with significant prospects to secure further business.

The Easi-edge perimeter edge protection and fall prevention business continued to suffer from Covid-19 related delays to the start of projects and a subdued commercial office market, although it remained a significant contributor to Group profits.  Easi-edge continues to see good opportunities and continues to innovate.  The Group invested significantly in the business prior to the pandemic and it is well placed to take advantage of future market recovery.

Hoard-it enjoyed a strong 2021 operating at full capacity for much of the year, as projects resumed following the delays experienced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The positive momentum experienced in 2021 has continued into the current year with a good pipeline of new business for 2022.

The onset of the conflict in Ukraine has recently presented new challenges in our industry.  Significant volumes of steel products originate in Russia and Ukraine and with supplies restricted from these regions, shortages, and as a consequence price increases, have been noted for some of the Group's raw materials.  Alternative sources for these products have been sourced and supply constraints are anticipated to ease as we progress through 2022.

Despite the challenges faced over the last two years, Billington remains a robust and profitable business, supported by a healthy balance sheet and a committed workforce.  The Group is well placed to take advantage of the significant number of opportunities at improving margin levels that are currently being presented.

Pension Scheme

The defined benefit pension scheme (closed to future accrual in 2011) continues in surplus despite the continuing impact of the pandemic on equity markets.  At 31 December 2021 a surplus of £2,673,000 (2020: £1,683,000) along with a corresponding deferred tax liability of £668,000, has resulted in a net recognised surplus of £2,005,000 (2020: £1,363,000).

The last actuarial valuation which also showed the scheme in surplus was undertaken as at 31 March 2020 and the next scheme funding actuarial valuation is due as at 31 March 2023, at which time the need for any Group contributions will be reviewed.

Dividend

In the first half of 2021 Billington resumed the payment of dividends with the declaration of a final dividend in relation to the year ended 31 December 2020 of 4.25 pence per share amounting to £550,000, which was 2.66 times covered by 2020 earnings.  The Board feels it is appropriate for Billington to continue dividend payments, albeit at a modest level, whilst the impact of Covid-19 continues and markets remain challenging.  The Board is therefore recommending a final dividend of 3.00 pence per share for 2021, which is covered 2.7 times by underlying earnings.  The final dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder approval at the Company's AGM, on 4 July 2022, to those shareholders on the register on 6 June 2022.  No interim dividend for 2021 was declared (2020: nil), a policy consistent with prior years.

Liquidity and capital reserves

In 2021 the Group experienced a net cash outflow of £4.7 million (2020: £2.7 million net cash outflow) reducing the Group's gross cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2021 to £10.4 million from £15.1 million as at 31 December 2020.  The cash balance at 31 December 2021 reflected good cash collection and certain modest customer pre-payments, offset by an increase in inventories and work in progress by £7.1 million to £12.2 million (31 December 2020 £5.1 million).  The increase in inventories and work in progress at the year end was reflective of the Group's planning to mitigate further price increases and to ensure the availability of materials for contracted projects in Q1 2022.

Going forward the Group's cash continues to provide strong cover for its working capital requirements and a robust position from which to take the Group forward.  Capital expenditure in 2021 was at a similar level to 2020 and for 2022 is forecast to rise modestly as the Group continues to invest in process improvements, together with capability and service enhancements.

Our People

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the focus has been on the welfare and protection of our dedicated workforce and this has required significant changes to working practices.  The Company has continued to implement appropriate measures at all our facilities to ensure that social distancing can be maintained, with the workforce and our customers protected as far as possible.

At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, 46 per cent of the workforce were placed on furlough leave. During the later part of 2020 and into the first half of 2021 the majority of those previously on furlough returned to work.  The Company took the decision to not claim any further furlough monies from the UK Government from 1 January 2021.

However, the Group did continue to experience Covid-19 related disruptions to its operations in 2021, with staff required to isolate, presenting some operational challenges, particularly in the second half of the year.  I am pleased to say that the workforce rose to meet these challenges, covering for effected colleagues where possible, and I would like to place on record my thanks for the hard work, resilience and dedication of the Billington team.

Economic Outlook

During 2021 the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to be a significant factor influencing the timing and profitability of contracts.  We have managed through these unprecedented times and whilst there inevitably remain further challenges ahead we sit poised to deliver on our strategy to drive growth and margin enhancement in the medium term.

The UK structural steelwork market grew by 16.9 per cent in 2021, following a 20.0 per cent. decline in 2020.  Current forecasts are for the market to continuing growing with an increase of 10.5 per cent in 2022, before the level of growth stabilises at 2.1 per cent in 2023.  However, these forecasts are likely to be subject to revision as the pace of the recovery from the impact of Covid-19 and the impact of wider macroeconomic factors are assessed.

In addition to the demand issues caused by the pandemic, the Group has faced further significant increases in structural steel costs during the year, a Europe wide issue.  Whilst iron ore prices ended the year below the level at the beginning of 2021 there was considerable volatility during the period, with the intra year high being nearly three times that of the low point, and increasing energy costs have also had a larger consequential impact on the price of steel.

Whilst the Group operates many fixed price supply contracts and has arrangements in place to mitigate most of the increases in steel prices, including the forward purchasing of steel where appropriate, escalation in the costs of consumables and ancillary products are not normally able to be passed on.  Steel prices remain volatile and increasing energy costs coupled with government infrastructure based stimulus packages across the globe, and the development of HS2 in the UK, are providing further inflationary pressures and are restricting the supply of certain steel products.

Many of the markets in which Billington operates remain constrained, with a number of the main construction contractors continuing under significant pressure as they deliver contracts that were tendered for some time ago before the current inflationary pressures materialised.  However, the Group will endeavour to focus on projects with the more robust larger contractors that can deliver an appropriate margin and we assess the risks associated with individual projects on a case-by-case basis. The Group is also looking at its longer-term steel procurement strategy in order to reduce its reliance on any one supplier.

Current trading and outlook

The current trading environment continues to be challenging as we emerge from the global Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to material price inflation.  However, we have seen a continuing recovery in activity levels and the return of higher margin opportunities.

We have a robust business that has weathered the pandemic storm well, supported by a strong balance sheet and committed workforce.  Whilst pricing pressures and other market challenges remain, I believe Billington is well placed to deliver improved results in 2022.

Ian Lawson

Non-Executive Chairman

25 April 2022

Chief Executive Statement

Operational Review

2021 was a year of further challenge with the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects continuing to impact the Company.  With a partial recovery in activity levels revenues increased by 25.3 per cent to £82.7 million, however the impact on margins of raw material price increases and the project mix led to underlying profit before tax decreasing by 23.5 percent to £1.3 million (£0.2m after impairment charge).  Post period end we resolved that it would be prudent to take an impairment charge of £1.1 million relating to a client with whom the Company was completing a contract and who entered administration shortly after the year end. This event provided further evidence following previous communications prior to the year end that there was significant uncertainty regarding the recoverability of the receivable and contract work in progress owed by the client at the balance sheet date and is therefore considered an adjusted post balance sheet event.  Whilst we have decided to provide for the debt owed we continue in dialogue with the developer to complete the project and recover the outstanding monies.

That we were able to remain resilient to these challenges and the underlying business continued to be profitable is a real credit to the dedication of our workforce and I would like to thank them all for their efforts.

Group Companies

Billington Structures and Shafton Steel Services

Billington Structures is one of the UK's leading structural steelwork contractors with a highly experienced workforce capable of delivering projects from simple building frames to complex structures in excess of 12,000 tonnes to all market sectors.  With facilities in Barnsley and Bristol and a heritage dating back over 75 years, the business is well recognised and respected in the industry with the capacity of processing over 50,000 tonnes of steel per annum.

The Shafton facility operates in two distinct business areas.  The first undertakes activities for Billington Structures.  The second, Shafton Steel Services offers a complete range of steel profiling services to many diverse external engineering and construction companies, providing further opportunities to increase the capacity of the business as well as allowing for the supply of value added, complementary products and services to enhance the comprehensive offering of the Group.

The Group's structural steel business started 2021 with a strong order book with further new business won during the course of the year, although business was heavily impacted by steel and other material price increases and the results depressed by lower margin projects.  The level of work undertaken enabled the facilities to be operated at or near full capacity for much of the period, sub-contracting production as required to the longstanding, approved Group supply chain.  It is important to the efficient operation of the structures business that its facilities remain fully utilised as far as possible.  Billington is not alone in this requirement and the work undertaken during the year enabled the operation of the facilities to be as efficient as possible and for the business to be well positioned for the future, particularly as projects in other sectors that have been delayed by the pandemic are restarted.

Many of the projects undertaken in 2021 were in areas not significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as large distribution warehouses, which have a larger steel content per man hour than more complex projects such as commercial offices, and as such attracted a lower margin.  2022 has seen the continued growth in the company's orderbook and provides confidence of delivering increased value for its shareholders.

The larger projects undertaken by Billington Structures during 2021 included:

·    Newhurst EfW, Leicestershire - Hitachi Zosen Inova

·    Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Smethwick - Wates Construction

·    Pinewood Studios, Slough - Sir Robert McAlpine

It is pleasing to note that some of the Company's complex and challenging projects were again recognised in some of the industry's prestigious awards. Sandwell Aquatics was voted the UK Tekla award winner in the Sports and Recreation category and Wenlock Works (Shepherdess Walk) achieved a merit award in the Structural Steel Design awards.

Billington Structures has a strong order book for 2022 and is seeing additional significant future project opportunities.  This includes more complex projects, such as fulfilment centres, film studios and renewable energy infrastructure, at higher margin levels.  Whilst the detailed timing of certain specific projects remains subject to change, and a number of potentially significant contracts have yet to be secured, the future prospects for Billington Structures are encouraging.  The Group invested heavily in stockpiling steel in the later part of 2021 in order to mitigate against anticipated price increases and any supply issues for already contracted work.  It is anticipated that this steel will be fully used for projects in the first quarter of 2022 leading to a return to historic levels of inventory.

Peter Marshall Steel Stairs

Based in Leeds, Peter Marshall Steel Stairs is a specialist designer, fabricator and installer of bespoke steel staircases, balustrade systems and secondary steelwork.  It has the capability to deliver stair structures for the largest construction projects and operates in sectors spanning retail, data, commercial offices, education, healthcare, rail and many more.

Peter Marshall Steel Stairs continued the strong performance seen in 2020 into 2021, recording record revenues for the year.  Whilst the business was impacted by steel price increases, it retained robust margins, which were not as heavily impacted as those in the Group's other structural steel businesses.

Notable projects undertaken in 2021 included:

·    HH4 Data Centre, Hemel Hempstead - Flynn Contractors

·    Siemens Blade Facility, Hull - J&D Pierce

·    20 Ropemaker Street, London - William Hare

As one of the largest companies in its sector, during the year the company received its biggest ever single order, and enjoys a robust market position, particularly when viewed against its smaller competitors, in what is a fragmented market.  During 2021 Peter Marshall's was often operating at full capacity, sub-contracting work where appropriate.  The Group continues to review opportunities to increase the capacity of the business and improve productivity, in what is one of the higher margin areas of the Group's structural steel business.

The business entered 2022 with a strong order book and significant prospects to secure further business.

Easi-edge

Easi-edge is a leading site safety solutions provider of perimeter edge protection and fall prevention systems for hire within the construction industry.  Health and safety is at the core of the business which operates in a legislation driven market.

In 2021, the business continued to suffer from Covid-19 related delays to the start of projects and a subdued commercial office market, although it remained a significant contributor to Group profits.  The limited number of new commercial office developments currently being undertaken in the UK, in particular has a significant impact on Easi-edge as these types of projects require a greater amount of Easi-edge product when compared to most other types of developments, such as distribution warehouses, undertaken by the business.

However, Easi-edge continues to see good opportunities, with utilisation forecast to increase in 2022, although this is not expected to return to historic levels in the short to medium term whilst the commercial office market remains subdued.

Projects undertaken by Easi-edge in 2021 included:

·    Cornbrook Commercial Offices, Manchester - ISG Construction

·    Milburngate, Durham - Tolent Construction

·    S1 Kings Cross, London - Elland Steel Structures

The investments made in the business prior to the pandemic, adding to the stock available for hire, meant 2021, like 2020, was a year of low capital expenditure, focusing on replacements where required. However, the business continues to innovate and Easi-edge's new Core Safe product for the protection of lift shafts was introduced to the market in 2021.

Hoard-it

Hoard-it produces a unique range of re-usable temporary hoarding solutions which are environmentally sustainable and available on both a hire and sale basis tailored to the requirements of its customers.

Hoard-it enjoyed a strong first half of 2021 and an even stronger second half, operating at full capacity, as projects resumed following the delays experienced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Projects were undertaken for both existing and new customers, as the client base expanded in line with the goal of ensuring the product is the number one choice for main contractors and developers in the construction industry, particularly in the residential construction market, where Hoard-it's range of printed boards and panels are proving attractive to developers looking for a professional and promotional site image, with added functionality.

Hoard-it also continued to add to its product offering, providing additional products used on sites such as accommodation, trackway, security cameras and graphics. An expanded graphics solution, Brand-it, was introduced in the first half of 2021, which is being utilised on both Hoard-it's own products and on those produced by others.  Brand-it's site graphics solutions enable site perimeter hoarding to be a prime marketing tool with added functionality such as anti-graffiti and anti-climbing coatings.

Notable projects in 2021 undertaken by Hoard-it included:

·    Platform 6 Kings Cross, London - Morgan Sindall Construction

·    Nightingale Hospitals, Various - Graham Construction

·    Hull Maritime Museum, Hull - Simpson  

Following significant capital expenditure in 2020 to increase the hire stock level the Group continued to invest in Hoard-it during 2021, in particular bulk buying board to ensure supply was always available and mitigating cost increases as far as possible.

Hoard-it entered 2022 with a good pipeline of new business and the positive momentum experienced in 2021 has continued into the current year.

Our People

The pandemic related challenges faced in 2020 continued in 2021, with particular disruption experienced in the second half of the year due to Covid-19 related staff absences.  I am pleased to say that the Billington workforce rose to these challenges, covering for staff absences as diligently as possible, and showing the resilience and flexibility required to maintain the Group in a strong position.

Average staff numbers in 2021 decreased 1.8 per cent, with 391 employed at the year end.

We anticipate a modest increase in staff numbers in 2022 as activity levels increase, although attracting sufficient, experienced, quality people remains a challenge for both Billington and the industry as a whole.  The Group therefore continues its focus on developing its people and has implemented a number of training initiatives to assist in overcoming this issue.

Of particular note is the welding school we have established in partnership with Betterweld to help mitigate the shortage of skilled fabricator welders.  We have increased our number of apprentices in this area and through a structured training programme we aim to provide the next generation with the appropriate skills for our industry.

Billington maintains close relationships with other local education providers, with continuing support being provided to both Barnsley College and the University of Sheffield Engineering Department.  The Company regularly attends educational career days, hosts school visits to its sites and seeks to develop talent from a young age with its range of internal training programmes across all departments of the business.

Billington also continues to actively promote its apprenticeship and graduate schemes in other areas, particularly focusing on technical staff.  These programmes are geared to help the business maintain the necessary skills and expertise to meet both its current and future requirements.

Additionally, Billington continues as an advocate, promotor and contributor to the British Constructional Steelwork Association's CRAFT apprentice programme.  The scheme has become an important path for the Company to train, educate and progress structural steelwork fabricators.  The scheme ensures that the Company possesses the necessary and appropriate skills to enable it to deliver for its clients and be at the forefront of new processes and techniques, driving manufacturing efficiencies.

Health, Safety, Sustainability, Quality and the Environment

A commitment to health, safety, sustainability, quality and the environment is core to everything that Billington does.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers has, and continues to be, of the highest priority.  The significant changes made in 2020 to the way we operate to allow for social distancing, home working by office staff where appropriate and to provide a healthy working environment for those working in our facilities and on sites, continued and was adapted as appropriate in 2021.  We are regularly reviewing our working practices to ensure we meet best practice and ensure all appropriate measures are taken to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff, subcontractors and customers.

Across the Group, led by our Health and Safety department, we work to ensure that continued progress can be achieved in enhancing working practices and improving the safety culture at all the Group's facilities and in our on-site activities. We are also actively involved in a number of initiatives both locally and nationwide to ensure the safety of our staff and to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment.  The Group aims to be proactive in the identification, reporting and resolution of risks both on site and in our production facilities to ensure that we are able mitigate the risks and promote safe ways of working.

Charity

Billington continues to be a significant advocate and supporter of both local and national charities. In 2017 the Billington Charity Foundation was established in order to focus efforts. In 2021 Billington has continued to actively support many charity programmes.

Throughout 2021, Billington donated to charities including Macmillan, Mind and Barnsley Hospice, together with a range of local sports teams and other causes that our employees are involved with.

Billington actively supports a diverse range of charitable and social causes that our employees are involved with, and the Group encourages involvement in initiatives intended to improve the local areas in which our people live.

Customers and Suppliers - Ethical Trading

The Company recognises the need to maintain a supply chain that adheres to and is aligned with our environmental, social and commercial objectives and policies.

Billington is committed to carrying out all dealings with clients, suppliers, sub-contractors and its own staff in a fair, open and honest manner.  It is also committed to complying with all legislative and regulatory requirements that are relevant to its business activities and monitors these on a regular basis.

The Company communicates fully and openly with customers regarding costs of work undertaken and will provide accurate and honest guidance and advice to customers to ensure their requirements are met.

The Company strives to develop positive relationships with suppliers to ensure both parties understand each other's problems and requirements.  It will not use current or potential contracts to coerce suppliers into unsustainable offers.

The Company treats its staff fairly in all aspects of their employment, valuing their contribution to the achievement of Company objectives and providing them with opportunities for training and development.

The Company is proud of its long standing and committed partner relationships with its supply chain and in turn seeks to treat them fairly with timely payment for works and the implementation of a 'no retention' policy.

Steel Industry

Throughout 2021, the dominant theme has been the increase in steel prices across Europe.  This has primarily been driven by increased energy costs, although extreme volatility in iron ore prices during the period, coupled with overall increases in scrap steel values, has led to consequential price increases in the wide range of steel products that the Group sources from a variety of steel producers worldwide.

In 2021 these price increases were in the order of 60 per cent, on top of the c.40 per cent. increases seen in 2020.  We anticipated a more stable supply picture in 2022, with previous supply constraints removed and Billington benefiting from its scale in the market and trading relationships with its primary supply chain.  The onset of the conflict in Ukraine has noted a restriction in some raw materials used in the steel making process of some steel products and further price rises have been encountered as a result.

As stated previously, Billington keeps its steel supply options under constant review and employs a variety of measures to allow the Company to reduce its exposure to volatility in steel prices and any variability in supply over the short term.  This hedging strategy, coupled with the stockpiling seen in the later part of 2021, enables most projects to be covered up to six months out, mitigating the immediate impact.  Although, over the longer-term price rises are passed onto customers as far as possible.  The Group is also reviewing its steel procurement strategy in order to reduce its reliance on any one supplier as far as possible.

Strategy and Acquisition

The Group has implemented a strategy to improve operating margins over the medium term through the investment and upgrading of some principal items of capital equipment, combined with projects to increase the capacity from the company's fixed asset base. These projects shall ensure the Group maximises the inherent value within the business and capitalises upon its strong market position within the industry.

Post period end we established a new trading subsidiary, Specialist Protective Coatings Ltd ("SPC"), following the Company's acquisition of the trading assets of Orrmac Coatings Ltd, a specialist painting company based in Sheffield, UK, out of administration.  The Group has been seeking to expand its painting capabilities for some time and the acquisition presented an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Group's internal offering in this area as well as providing a specialist service to the wider market.  Since Billington acquired the trading assets of Orrmac Coatings, sited from the 55,000 square foot facility in Sheffield, it has undergone a substantial refurbishment and investment programme to ensure the facility is able to effectively service the most demanding of projects, including shotblasting and lifting capabilities for steel assemblies that are amongst the largest capacity in the UK.

The incorporation of SPC will provide the Group with increased control of a significant subcontract trade that had previously been outsourced and ensure the margin associated with this trade is maintained within the business.

Prospects and Outlook

The Group continued to face challenges during the year, both from the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to staff absences, and raw material price increases, together with supply constraints for certain materials and labour.  However, whilst the overall market continues to be challenging, the Directors believe the outlook for Billington is encouraging.

We remain in a financially robust position and I believe all our businesses are well placed for the future.  We have weathered the pandemic well and as the market returns to more normal operating conditions we are well placed to take advantage.  A number of our competitors and suppliers have suffered to a much greater extent than Billington, with a number ceasing to trade over the past two years. This, over the longer term, will aid margin improvement across the industry and will create opportunities for Billington to secure new business.

Whilst the potential for continuing material price inflation and the macroeconomic landscape, particularly with events in Ukraine, remains a concern the order book continues to grow.  The current order book comprises both delayed and new projects, and the Group has significant future order prospects, many at improved margins.  There are a number of larger, more complex projects both contracted and in prospect, and the number and quality of enquires continues to improve.  We are seeing opportunities in all sectors, particularly large retail distribution warehouses, data centres, 'Gigafactories', food processing developments, film industry, public sector works, rail infrastructure, together with a return of some commercial office development projects.

In closing, I would like to thank Billington's Board, employees, shareholders and all stakeholders for their continued support.  Despite the continuing challenging market conditions I look forward with optimism that the shoots of recovery seen in 2021 and into the early part of the current year will continue to gain traction.

Mark Smith

Chief Executive Officer

25 April 2022