News on 21 March 2001
Kier Group’s support services businesses, including Caxton Facilities Management, grew by 38%, contributing to record half-year results. Group operating profit was up 47% to £6.9m, with turnover up 22% at just over £590m.
Chairman Colin Busby said: “Caxton FM continues to
increase its client base, with major new outsourcing contracts from
TXU Europe, the UK’s second largest energy retailer, and Hostmark
of Slough.”
Caxton FM’s Chairman and Managing Director, former World Cup football
referee Clive Thomas, commented on the performance of the new services
operation: “I was delighted to produce a paper last year in which
I suggested a new division of companies and this has now been accepted
by the Group. I am anticipating a five year plan, producing turnover
of £500m. I am confident that by appointing the right people,
the group could achieve this figure, with Caxton FM being one of the
key players. These half yearly figures are tremendous for the future
well being of the Kier Group.’’
The FM company’s turnover increased 29% last year and it recently
announced new business worth over £28m. Caxton is now looking
to Europe with major business opportunities in several countries.
Mr Thomas will retire in June 2001, to be succeeded as MD by Colin Porton,
currently Caxton FM’s Projects Director. Thomas founded Caxton
FM in 1989, with just two members of staff; he then, with Directors,
bought the company from a services group and sold it to the Kier Group
in 1994.
The company, which is based in St. Mellons in Cardiff, now has over
410 personnel and in excess of 80 clients at 230 sites and some 3,300
employees from service providers across the UK.
Two other members of the senior management team at Caxton are also set
to retire this year. John Cadwallader, Caxton’s Finance Director
and John Hill, the company’s Operations Director will step down
at the end of April.
