Half Year Trading Update
Summary by AI BETAClose X
23 July 2026
THE MISSION GROUP plc
("MISSION", "the Group")
Half Year Trading Update
Strengthened, simplified platform supports positive H1 performance in-line with expectations
Strong H2 pipeline underpins confidence for delivery of full year results
The MISSION Group plc (AIM: TMG), a collective of sector-leading Creative, Sports and MarTech Agencies, provides a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (H1 2026).
Chief Executive of MISSION, John Carey, commented:
"Our positive first half performance shows the benefits of the strategic actions we completed during the period to simplify and strengthen the Group's operating platform. We enter H2 in a positive mood, with continued focus on our strategic growth priorities and a reduced cost base that will support margin, profit enhancement and strong cash generation. Together with our strong pipeline of new business opportunities going into the second half, this provides us with confidence for the full year and the long-term outlook for the Group."
H1 2026 Trading Update
The Group's H1 2026 performance was in line with the Board's expectations, with improved headline operating profit before adjustments expected to be up 10% at £2.4m (30 June 2025: £2.2m) and H1 revenue expected to be £32.5m (30 June 2025: £34.1m). Headline profit before tax is expected to be 27% higher at £1.4m (30 June 2025: £1.1m).
The Group maintained its track record of strong Client retention and won new Clients across all business segments. These included Westminster Council, Puma, Amaala Yacht Club, PwC, the International Tennis Federation and Volleyball World.
Simplified Agency portfolio driving operating profit and margin enhancement
The Group's integrated Agency, formed through the merger of its B2C and B2B advertising offerings, is now operating as a single, unified business. This has reduced operating expenditure and resulted in significant margin and profit improvement in H1 2026.
The Group's Mongoose Sports & Events agency continued to drive improved performance. Mongoose revenues and profits rose during H1 2026 and the pipeline of Client opportunities continued to expand.
Elsewhere, the Group's ThinkBDW Property division delivered a resilient performance in a tough market, with revenues and profits broadly flat.
Robust balance sheet
Net bank debt was £11.0m on 30 June 2026 (£13.7m on 30 June 2025, and £9.0m on 31 December 2025). The increase from 31 December 2025 is primarily a result of the settlement of outstanding acquisition obligations and the cash cost of the restructuring programme delivered in H1 2026.
This excludes certain other acquisition obligations of which the final £0.6m is expected to be settled in Q3.
The Group expects net bank debt to reduce in the second half of the calendar year (H2 2026) as the benefits of the annualised cost savings expected from the restructuring programme continue to come through.
Strong pipeline, on track to meet FY2026 market expectations
The Group enters H2 2026 with a strong new business pipeline and progress continues to be made against key strategic growth priorities for the year: US expansion execution and further development of new business opportunities in the region, agency integration, consultancy offer launch, growth engine activation, capital allocation discipline and redefining the MISSION proposition.
As a result, while market conditions remain uncertain, the Board remains confident in delivering profitable growth across all business segments, with the Group on track to meet full year market expectations*.
Notice of Results
The Group expects to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 towards the end of September 2026.
*The Group believes market expectations for the year ended 31 December 2026 to be revenues of £70.0m and headline operating profit of £8.1m (2025: £5.1m).
ENDS
ENQUIRIES:
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John Carey, Chief Executive Officer Giles Lee, Chief Financial Officer The MISSION Group plc |
Via Houston
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Simon Bridges/Andrew Potts/Harry Rees Canaccord Genuity Limited (Financial Advisor, Nominated Adviser and Broker) |
020 7523 8000
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Peter Tracey |
020 3807 8484 |
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Blackdown Partners Limited (Financial Adviser) |
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Kate Hoare / Charlie Barker |
077 3303 2695 /
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0204 529 0549 |
Houston
(PR advisers)
NOTES TO EDITORS
MISSION Group is a collective of specialist agencies delivering marketing, communications and digital services for Clients across the UK and internationally. The Group combines deep sector expertise with connected capabilities across brand, digital, customer engagement, sponsorship, media, social, technology and communications.
Find out more at www.themission.co.uk
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
Change of Accounting Reference Date
As previously announced, as a result of the change in the Group's accounting reference date, the Group's financial year will now end on 30 September annually, with its reporting timetable as follows:
· publication of audited annual financial statements for the 12-month period to 31 December 2025, by no later than 30 June 2026 (published on 4 June 2026);
· publication of unaudited interim accounts for the 6-month period to 30 June 2026, by no later than 30 September 2026;
· publication of audited annual financial statements for the 9-month period to 30 September 2026, by no later than 30 March 2027;
· publication of unaudited interim accounts for the 6-month period to 31 March 2027, by no later than 30 June 2027; and
· publication of audited annual financial statements for the 12-month period to 30 September 2027, by no later than 31 March 2028.
· From then, annual and interim results will be published each year for the 12 months to 30 September and 6 months to 31 March, respectively.
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