Trading Update and Board Succession

RNS Number : 8806S
Brand Architekts Group PLC
14 July 2020
 

 

14th July 2020

 

Brand Architekts Group PLC

 

("Brand Architekts" or the "Group")

 

Trading Update and Board Succession

 

Brand Architekts, the personal care and beauty products group with its own portfolio of brands, announces an update on trading for the 52 weeks to 27 June 2020 and board succession.

Trading performance

Sales performance during the second half of the financial year ("FY"), which was inevitably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was stronger than the Board had anticipated and communicated at the time of our last trading update in April. However, revenue generated in H2 2020 is still significantly below the comparative period last year.

Net sales for FY20 were £16.3m, which excludes sales from discontinued operations, a decline of 17% on the prior year. Sales in the first half were £10.6m, a decline of 15% when compared to H1 2019 (£12.5m). Sales in the second half of FY20 declined by 21%, with net sales of £5.7m (H2 2019: £7.2m).

COVID-19 impact

During the last quarter of FY20, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the sales mix. Our brands' performance within UK Grocers showed single digit growth whilst our online sales channels, whether through large e-tailers such as Amazon, or our own branded websites have delivered significant growth.

These gains did not offset the significant decline in other high street outlets whose store traffic was adversely impacted during lockdown. Additionally, several key international markets did not place orders during the last quarter of FY20, as a result of the closure of most general merchandise and department stores. However, the board is confident that the new branded business model and structure will allow the business to respond to the significant changes in consumer shopping behaviour effectively & efficiently. 

Consequently, the board expect Group pre-tax profit for the full year will be significantly below last year.

Balance Sheet and Cash

Net cash position of £18.0m is a significant improvement when compared to the position reported at our interim results to January 11th of £15.1m and the £7.2m of net debt last year.

In the light of the disruption of Covid-19 and a review of the role of particular brands in the portfolio we are conducting a detailed review of stock valuation and will update at our final results in September.

 

Board Succession

Following the disposal of the Contract Manufacturing business in August 2019, we have now put in place a new executive management team, led by Quentin Higham as CEO, focused completely on the new stand-alone Brands business. As part of the Board succession planning, to refresh the Board and to ensure that we have the appropriate balance of skills, experience and knowledge for the long-term success of the business, we also announce the following changes.

Non-Executive Chairman

After 7 years in the role and having transformed the Group into a strong, completely brands focussed, cash positive business, Brendan Hynes has informed the Group of his intention to step down from the Board following the announcement of preliminary results, which will take place  on the 28th  September 2020. This will provide sufficient time for an orderly handover and allow the new executive management team to fully establish itself.

Brendan will be succeeded by Roger McDowell, the incumbent Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Roger is an experienced Chairman and non-executive director, with extensive knowledge of the business and provides for a smooth and seamless transition.

Non-Executive Director appointment

Chris How will be appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect. Chris was formerly the CEO of Swallowfield PLC (the previous name of the Group) and has recently held the position of interim CEO of Brand Architekts. Chris brings continuity, detailed knowledge of the business and extensive, relevant sector experience, having previously held senior UK and International leadership positions at PZ Cussons and Colgate Palmolive. Ch ris will assume the role of Chair of the Remuneration Committee on 28th September 2020.

Outlook

The UK government's easing of the lockdown measures are now underway, and as a result we anticipate increased consumer demand over the next few months. However, there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on the wider economy and consumer confidence, we expect this will continue into the first half of FY21, with some improvement in the second half. As a result of this uncertainty, the Board continues to withhold financial guidance.

However, with a new executive team in place, a strong balance sheet which includes a significant positive net cash position and a clarity of direction the Board remains confident in the Group's long-term prospects.

Notes

Pursuant to Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, Christopher Gerard How  (aged 60) currently holds and has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years:

Current directorships/partnerships

Directorships/partnerships held in the last five years:

Braebrook Limited

Swallowfield Consumer Products Limited

 

Brand Architekts Group PLC (formerly Swallowfield PLC)

 

Atlas Group Limited

 

Atlas Pencil (Sales) Limited

 

The Yellow Can Company Limited

 

Aerosols International Limited

 

Bagsy Beauty Limited

 

New Value Connections LTD

 

Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery Association Limited (The)

 

MR Haircare Limited

 

Tru Products Limited

 

The Brand Architekts Limited

 

Sterling Shave Club Limited

 

Fish London LTD.

 

Mr How currently has a beneficial interest of 196,698 ordinary shares in the share capital of Group.

There is no further information to be disclosed in respect of the above appointment pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

For further information please contact :

 

 

 

 

Brand Architekts Group PLC

Quentin Higham

Tom Carter

 

 

 

 

N+1 Singer

Shaun Dobson / George Tzimas / Iqra Amin

(Nominated adviser and broker)

0207496 3000

Alma PR

Josh Royston / Sam Modlin

 

0203 405 0205

 


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