WH Bowker has reported pre-tax profits climbing by more than a quarter. Pre-tax profits hit £532,370 for the year ended December 31, 2005, up from £418,672 in 2004. Operating profit has risen to £1.11m in 2005. Turnover grew to £95.2m in 2005 from £85.4m in 2004. The transport and distribution business accounts for £11.5m of the 2005 turnover, with the rest made up by the motor dealer business.
The consolidated balance sheet shows net assets grew slightly to £6.33m. The directors state in the
report that: "Operational changes are being implemented to ensure the transport businesses remain in a strong position to take advantage of future opportunities as they arise." Average staff numbers grew by three people to 290 in 2005 staff costs grew by 3% to £8.36m. Directors' emoluments fell to £711,360 in 2005 from £1.10m in 2004.
