Chairman's AGM Statement

SUTTON HARBOUR HOLDINGS PLC 25 August 1999 The Annual General Meeting of Sutton Harbour Holdings was held today, Wednesday 25th August 1999. Shareholders approved the Report & Accounts which showed turnover at a record high of over £4 million with operating profits exceeding £1 million for the first time. The Board's recommended dividend of 2.4p per share was approved by shareholders. The dividend will be paid on 1st October 1999 to holders of ordinary shares registered at the close of business on 17th September 1999. Chairman, Ellen Winser, said that among the factors contributing to this success were the highest ever level of fish landings at Plymouth Fisheries. The company also enjoyed its highest ever rental income while performance at the company's Marine Leisure businesses centred around the Marina was also buoyant. Discussing current trading, Chairman, Ellen Winser said: 'We have had a good start to the year with fishing holding up and excellent fuel sales. The good weather has meant a good start for our marine leisure businesses and rentals are generally holding firm. The marina is full; we have increased the number of visitors berths and have laid other pontoons elsewhere in the harbour. We have had an excellent start and, of course, the Eclipse was a bonus. The challenge will be to continue the success next year. In our first three months of this year, unaudited operating profits are 11% up on last year. Clearly this is good but should not be taken as a projection for the full year.' A unique electronic auction system, based on a countdown clock, is scheduled to come in to operation at Plymouth Fisheries within the next few weeks. This will serve to obtain higher prices for fishermen and allow the possibility of buyers at remote sites buying direct from Plymouth. The system is tried and tested on the Continent but will be the first such installation in the UK based fish industry. Shareholders also approved a significant change to the historic voting structure. This dates back nearly 150 years and was heavily weighted towards small shareholders. To bring the company in line with modern business practice, shareholders will now have one vote per share held. 'The company intends to build on its excellent record of achievement in Sutton Harbour by continuing to maximise the development potential of land in the immediate vicinity and to further expand trading activities in related fields. Current negotiations with a public authority should be ratified by October and will enable Sutton Harbour Holdings to acquire and develop further excellent waterfront sites and repeat the success of the last six years.' Ellen Winser Chairman 25th August 1999
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