Trading update for the year ended 31 March 2026

Creightons PLC

23 April 2026

 

Creightons Plc

(the "Company" or the "Group")

Trading Update for the Year Ended 31 March 2026

Creightons Plc (AIM: CRL), the British-based beauty and wellbeing brand owner and manufacturer, provides the following trading update for the year ended 31 March 2026 ("FY26").

The Group delivered a resilient performance during the year despite challenging market conditions and the impact of government legislation, including increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and the National Living Wage (NLW), which we previously announced would have an annualised impact of £0.9 million on labour costs, comprising £0.4 million in direct costs and £0.5 million in indirect costs.

Progress was made against the Board's strategic priorities including a number of important new business wins which position the Group well for future growth. These positive developments were partially offset by disruption at key retail partners due to factors outside the Group's control, together with reduced demand within the contract manufacturing business and softer consumer demand in the fourth quarter amid broader economic pressures. Private Label as a category continues to strengthen its performance, delivering double-digit growth across several core customers. Revenue for FY26 is expected to be approximately £53.8 million (2025: £54.1 million).

Gross profit margin was broadly flat year-on-year, despite higher NIC and NLW costs, reflecting continued operational discipline and efficiency gains. Overhead costs increased year on year, reflecting a combination of wage pressure including the government legislative increases, as well as continued investment in people and product development to support and drive future growth.

Profit before taxation is expected to be approximately £2.7 million (2025: £3.5 million), subject to audit.

The Group maintained a strong cash position of £3.6 million (2025: £3.7 million), supported by disciplined working capital management.

Whilst near-term market conditions remain uncertain, the Board remains confident in the Group's positioning, supported by its category expertise, manufacturing capability and established retail partnerships.

The Group expects to announce its full year results in early July 2026.

As part of its strategic development, the Company has undertaken a corporate rebranding programme to align the Group's corporate and investor identity with its established trade identity. The rebranding better reflects the heritage and origins of the business as well as providing consistency and recognition of branding across its domestic and international activities. Further details are provided in a separate RNS announcement released by the Company this morning.

Commenting on the results, Pippa Clark, CEO, said:

"We delivered a resilient performance in what has been a challenging year for the sector. While trading in the second half was impacted by disruption at some key customers, each is making progress in resolving their issues and we have seen early signs of trading reverting to normal patterns. We secured a number of important new business wins during the year. Our focus on operational efficiency supported margin improvement, and we remain confident in the strength of our business model and our ability to deliver long-term value."

Note: All figures, other than the comparators for the year ended 31 March 2025, remain subject to audit.

- Ends -

For enquiries, please contact:

Company                              [e-mail]                             [phone]

Philippa Clark, CEO

Qadeer Mohammed, CFO

Zeus (Nominated Adviser and Broker)                                                          [phone]

David Foreman / Ed Beddows (Investment Banking) 

Nick Searle (Sales)  

 

END