ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for discussion Register to chat with like-minded investors on our interactive forums.

PFM Property FD Mgt

0.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Property FD Mgt LSE:PFM London Ordinary Share GB0031581449 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.00 -
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Final Results

30/04/2004 8:01am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:1799Y
Property Fund Management plc
30 April 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30th April 2004



                         PROPERTY FUND MANAGEMENT PLC:

                      PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS

                      FOR 12 MONTHS TO 31ST DECEMBER 2003


Property Fund Management plc is the UK's only quoted specialist property fund
manager, establishing and managing funds both in the UK and continental Europe.


                                   HIGHLIGHTS


  * Delays in closing new European Fund has depressed pre-tax profits to
    #147,000 against #2m in previous period*

  * No final dividend

  * At year end property assets under management totalled #868m - up 4%

  * Existing funds performed strongly during year:

    o   Principal UK funds recorded impressive returns on equity of 20.7% and
        18.2%

    o   European property assets now total Euro483m and show 6% capital value
        increase and a 9%pa income distribution on equity

  * Acquired outstanding interests in Dutch and French JV's

  * Since year end new #150m UK property fund launched

  * New European fund with total purchasing power of Euro700m is being launched
    imminently

  * *In accordance with UK GAAP, PFM carries forward at the year-end an amount
    of work-in-progress representing direct costs and attributable overheads
    incurred in the creation of new funds. The amount relating to the new
    European Fund, EHI, is #679,000. We have excluded this figure from
    work-in-progress because the signing of EHI has not been successfully
    concluded at today's date. However, should this occur prior to 4 June 2004,
    the proposed date of PFM's report and accounts, then PFM will be required to
    re-state this work-in-progress, resulting in a profit before tax of #826,000
    and balance sheet distributable reserves of #660,000.



John Sims, Chief Executive commented:

"We have successfully advanced our medium term business plan objectives of
increasing funds under management in wider geographical territories where
investors have a committed appetite for indirect investment exposure to our high
yield specialist asset class.

"While we are disappointed not to have achieved our market forecast we remain on
course to achieve funds under management of approaching #2bn during 2005."


Contact: Property Fund Management plc         Tel: 020 7535 1818

             John Sims, Chief Executive

             Andrew Yates, Finance Director

             Baron Phillips Associates        Tel: 020 7920 3161 or 07050 124119

             Baron Phillips




CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT


The Board of PFM announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2003.

As a result of delays in closing the EHI fund, a significant amount of income
expected to be included in the 2003 financial year should now be reported in
2004.  These delays were announced in December 2003 and they are clearly
disappointing.

We had expected to close EHI before the 2003 results were announced today.
Since this has not yet happened direct costs and attributable overheads incurred
in the creation of EHI have not been carried forward as work-in-progress at the
year end.  Due to this, profits before tax decreased from #2m to #147,000 on net
turnover down from #10.05m to #8.74m.  Earnings per share were down from 7.23p
to a loss per share of 0.27p.  In addition, due to the shortfall in
distributable reserves, we are unable to declare a final dividend.  Again, this
is very disappointing and our intention is to pay an increased interim dividend
in 2004, assuming, as expected, EHI is launched soon.

At the year end property assets under management were #868m (up 4% from #835m),
of which #462m (2003:  #575m) were in the UK and #406m (2003: #260m) were in
Europe.  In addition a further #180m of properties were under offer at the year
end.

During the period we agreed terms with our principal European joint venture
partners so that our European management platform is now mostly owned 100%.  In
addition we further expanded our network into Central Europe, which we believe
will be an area of significant fund growth in the future.

Our existing investment funds have continued to perform well and this
performance underlines the attractiveness of the asset class in which we
specialise in these uncertain times.

Our results have been adversely affected by the delay to EHI.  Notwithstanding
this, the performance of our existing funds has been strong.  The Group will be
set to grow strongly in the current year as properties are acquired for our new
funds.  We also have a number of new initiatives in the planning stage.


Glyn Hirsch
Chairman





CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT


2003 was a challenging year for PFM, and it is very disappointing that the delay
to the launch of EHI (Euroind High Income Fund) will result in all the
associated income being recognised in 2004 rather than 2003.  As a result,
profit before tax for 2003 was #147,000.


Notwithstanding the lack of progress in closing EHI, we have however
successfully advanced our medium term business plan objectives of increasing
funds under management in wider geographical territories, where investors have a
committed appetite for indirect investment exposure to our high yield specialist
asset class.


UK Business


Our established UK fund business has performed strongly this year.  The value of
the UK funds' investment and development portfolio at the year end was #462m,
covering approximately 11m sq ft, and generating rental income of #32m pa.


The principal funds - Industrial Partnership II and The Industrial Trust,
recorded impressive returns on equity in the year of 20.7% and 18.2%
respectively.  At the ungeared property level they achieved returns of 15.8% and
13.5%, compared to the IPD industrial index of 12.1%.


During the year we restructured our UK property management division and created
a new facility based in Birmingham to undertake further occupier related
services.


UK Development


Continued progress has been made with the UK development fund operations.  We
are now in an improving occupational market; in the last quarter we achieved a
letting and sales record with over 150,000 sq ft occupied.  The ability to offer
freehold/virtual freehold unit sales has helped to drive performance in
achieving early occupancy on many of the schemes where development has been
completed.  Stabilisations achieved over the year (i.e. occupancy levels
exceeding 85%) and profits from land sales, have contributed gross fees of
approximately #500,000.


Our development funds provide for escrow accounts into which performance fees
are paid on completion of the overall development programme.  At the year end
our estimate of the value held in these accounts is approximately #1.3m.  This
has not yet been released to our profit and loss account.


We are currently investigating options for the development division to enable it
to build its next phase of developments, whilst maintaining the potential for it
to contribute to funds under management.


European Business


As forecast, the year saw the effective completion of the European Industrial
Partnership Fund (EIP) acquisition programme in France, the Netherlands and
Germany.


The portfolio, comprising 54 estates, has a value of Euro483m.  Early performance
has been encouraging with a capital value increase of 6% compared to acquisition
value and, based on the last quarter of 2003, income distribution is running at
9%pa on equity.


Whilst the occupier market in mainland Europe has been weaker than in the UK,
this has provided us with acquisition opportunities with higher voids, creating
refurbishment and future letting opportunities in the strengthening occupier
markets ahead.


During the year we acquired the outstanding 50% interest in our French and Dutch
joint venture businesses, prior to the increase in funds under management due to
the impending launch of EHI.  The initial consideration for these acquisitions
was #3.9m, rising to #7.1m based upon increases in assets under management.


Current Trading


I am pleased to report the closure of a major fund initiative for the UK.  The
Industrial Investment Partnership is initially structured as an eight-year
limited partnership between PFM and the Government of Singapore Investment
Corporation.  Equity commitments to this initiative are #50m from GIC RE and
#2.5m from PFM.


The Fund provides purchase capacity, with equity and debt, of #150m.  The
investment programme has already acquired #6m of assets, with a further #35m
under offer.  Several additional acquisitions are under advanced negotiation.


Further European Initiatives


The New European Fund - EHI


The Euroind High Income Fund (EHI), is expected to close shortly, with first
close equity commitments of Euro190m, including Euro7.5m from PFM as a co-investor.


This will provide an initial purchase capacity of Euro300m enabling us to complete
the acquisition of approximately Euro250m of property already at an advanced stage
of legal process.


When full equity raising is complete the total purchase capacity of EHI will be
Euro700m which, together with EIP and single client mandates in Europe, will take
total funds under management outside the UK to Euro1.35bn (#900m).


Spain - Development Fund


Final documentation for the joint venture development fund with Grupo Lar
Grosvenor is agreed.  Several sites have been identified and the initiative is
expected to contribute to earnings in the second half of 2004 and in 2005.


Central Europe - Future Expansion Market


In October 2003 PFM acquired a majority interest in Celtic Asset Management, an
established property asset manager based in Warsaw with substantial long term
experience in the Central European property markets.  This is part of our
continuing strategy to explore opportunities in Poland, Hungary and the Czech
Republic as they prepare to join the EU next month.


A specific fund business plan is now complete to be known as the Central
European Industrial Fund, and discussions are currently in hand with core
investors.


In summary, whilst we are very disappointed not to have achieved our market
forecast in 2003, we remain on course to achieve funds under management of
approaching #2bn during 2005.






J R Sims

Chief Executive







FINANCIAL REVIEW


Turnover


Turnover for the year was #8.743m compared to #10.049m in 2002 which is
generated from the property fund management and insurance brokerage businesses
of PFM.


Assets under management within funds generate earnings and cashflows.  The
principal drivers of turnover are annual fund management fees based on long term
contracts and short term transaction fees generated by property acquisition and
disposal programmes within funds.


Transaction fees in the year were #5.028m down from #6.619m in 2002 whilst
annual fund management fees increased from #1.71m in 2002 to #3.015m reflecting
the fulfillment of acquisition programmes in mature funds prior to the creation
of further funds.


The creation of new funds including the recently announced Industrial Investment
Partnership will establish, when fully invested, a core of secure recurring
income based on long term contracts.


The Group operates its European business from offices in Paris, Amsterdam,
Berlin and Madrid which historically have been joint ventures with local
management having a 50% interest.  During the year the Group acquired the
outstanding equity in the Amsterdam and Paris entities.


On 30th June 2003, the Group acquired 50% of a new joint venture insurance
broker by the transfer of the Group's existing wholly owned insurance broking
subsidiary.


New offices were formed in Poland and Denmark which acquired existing businesses
that also contributed to turnover during the year.


Because of the way profits are displayed in the Profit and Loss Account the
contribution arising from joint ventures is shown as one pre-tax figure.  The
European offices, except Germany and Spain, will now be incorporated on a fully
consolidated basis whilst insurance broking will now be demonstrated as a joint
venture contribution having previously been fully consolidated.  This reflects
the relative significance of each operation and will fully impact in 2004 but
makes current comparative analysis difficult as illustrated below.


                 Turnover                              2003                 2002
                                                         #m                   #m
                 Recurring                            5.622                8.329
                 Former JV's                          1.804                0.000
                 New Offices                          0.617                0.000
                                                      8.043                8.329
                 Insurance                            0.700                1.720
                                                      8.743               10.049


Operating Expenses


Operating expenses for the year were #7.522m compared to #7.249m in 2002.


The effects of the structural changes in the year referred to above are
reflected by the inclusion of #1.061m for the European joint ventures, #0.2m for
European acquisitions in the year and the exclusion of #0.707m in respect of
insurance brokerage compared with the previous year.


For the first time since 2001 the Group has been involved in the creation of
several new funds.  This has been achieved without a third party fund manager
which has meant that the Group has expended considerable man hours and costs on
the creation of fund structures and an initial pipeline supply of property.  The
greater part of this work was completed prior to the year end and is reflected
in a transfer of #1.07m from Operating Expenses to be carried forward as work in
progress to be matched with initial income from the funds in 2004.


The Group maintains an ongoing programme to ensure that operating expenses are
minimised commensurate with ensuring maximum returns whilst dealing with a
commercial environment of ever increasing complexity and regulation.  In the UK
certain peripheral and back office activities have been outsourced which should
ensure savings of approximately #1m, year on year, whilst ensuring scalability
in resource and cost terms going forward.


The full impact of all these measures will be reflected in the year to December
2004.


Joint Ventures


Again the structural changes within the Group in the year make comparison
difficult.


The fund management activities of France and the Netherlands cover the periods
1st January to 23rd December 2003 and 1st January to 18th March 2003
respectively, which together with a complete year for Germany account for a loss
of #185,000 compared to a full year profit in 2002 of #476,000 for all
territories.


Insurance Brokerage was included for the first time this year but only covering
the period 1st July to 31st December 2003 and generated a profit of #475,000
during that period.


Amortisation and Impairment of Goodwill


Goodwill amortisation costs in 2003 were #80,000 compared to #21,000 in the
previous year.


After review there has been no provision for the impairment of goodwill.


We anticipate a charge of approximately #421,000 in 2004.  The application of
International Accounting Standards which becomes mandatory in 2005 does not
currently require the amortisation of goodwill, relying instead on the test of
impairment.


Taxation


The tax charge for the year was #124,000 (2002: #689,000).


The effective tax rate for the year, excluding charges for amortisation of
goodwill in respect of intangible assets, which are not allowable deductions for
tax purposes, was 81.76% (2002:34.04%).


Goodwill


Goodwill has been generated in the year upon the acquisition of the 50% of the
joint ventures in France and Netherlands not previously owned and the
acquisition of businesses in Poland and Denmark.


The consideration in respect of the acquisitions in France and Netherlands was
by way of an initial tranche of cash and shares together with a further tranche
of deferred consideration which is geared to the level of property acquisitions
in each territory over a period of three to four years.


At the year end an amount of #2.663m is included in creditors for this deferred
consideration.



Funding Strategy


The Group's treasury operations are designed to reduce the financial risks of
funding, liquidity, interest and currency rate exposure.


The Group has substantial short term facilities denominated in sterling.  These
facilities are principally in place to provide working capital for the business.


The Group also has substantial medium term facilities denominated in Euros,
which have not been used in the year.  These facilities are principally in place
to facilitate corporate acquisitions and co-investment in funds.


Hedging


The Group borrows from banks at floating rates of interest and the interest rate
exposure is hedged through the use of a variety of financial derivative
instruments.


The Group has a policy of minimizing exposure to exchange risk arising from
assets and liabilities denominated in Euros.  To the extent that any liability
is not matched by assets the exposure will be hedged.


The Group does not engage in trades of a speculative nature.


Dividend


The Directors recommend that no final dividend be paid.


Post Balance Sheet Events


On 3rd March 2004 the Industrial Investment Partnership was launched with equity
of #52.5m which, with gearing, will have property purchasing power of
approximately #150m.





CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2003


                                                                               2003                  2002
                                                                    Notes     #'000                 #'000



TURNOVER:                                                             4

Turnover: Group and share of joint venture   - Existing                      10,131                12,014
turnover                                       operations
                                             - Acquisitions                     617                     -
                                                                             ------                ------
                                                                             10,748                12,014
Less: share of joint venture turnover        - Existing                      (2,005)               (1,965)
                                               operations
                                                                             ------                ------
                                                                              8,743                10,049

Cost of sales                                                         5      (1,394)               (1,326)
                                                                             ------                ------

GROSS PROFIT                                                          5       7,349                 8,723

Other operating expenses                                              5      (8,608)               (7,249)

Operating expenses transferred to work in                             5       1,070                     -
progress
                                                                             ------                ------

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT                      - Existing                        (330)                1,474
                                               operations
                                             - Acquisitions                     141                     -

                                                                               (189)                1,474

Share of operating profit in joint ventures                                     305                   476
                                                                             ------                ------

PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE FINANCE CHARGES                            116                 1,950
Net interest receivable

   Group                                                                         37                    55
   Joint ventures                                                                (6)                   (2)
                                                                                 31                    53
                                                                             ------                ------
PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION                         4         147                 2,003
Tax on profit on ordinary activities                                  6        (124)                 (689)
                                                                             ------                ------
PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAXATION                                     23                 1,314

Equity minority interests                                                       (79)                   20
                                                                             ------                ------
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR                                            (56)                1,334

Equity dividends paid and proposed                                    7        (422)                 (723)
                                                                             ------                ------
RETAINED (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR                                  12        (478)                  611
                                                                             ======                ====== 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic                                                                 8       (0.27)p                7.23p
Diluted                                                               8       (0.27)p                7.05p
                                                                              =======                =====  



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31ST DECEMBER 2003


                                                                           2003                     2002
                                                                          #'000                    #'000

(Loss)/Profit for the
financial year
                                                                           
   Group                                                                   (172)                   1,014
   Joint ventures                                                           116                      320
                                                                           -----                   ----- 
                                                                            (56)                   1,334

Gain on foreign currency                                                     32                        -
translation
                                                                           -----                   ----- 

TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES RELATING TO THE YEAR                      (24)                   1,334
                                                                           =====                   ===== 




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2003


                                                                           2003                     2002
                                                                Notes     #'000                    #'000

FIXED ASSETS

Intangible assets - Goodwill                                              8,272                       41

Tangible assets                                                           1,040                      755

Investments in joint ventures                                     10

   Share of gross assets                                                  2,111                    1,486

   Share of gross liabilities                                            (1,841)                  (1,125)

                                                                            270                      361
                                                                          -----                    ----- 
                                                                          9,582                    1,157
                                                                          -----                    -----

CURRENT ASSETS

Work in progress                                                          1,070                        -

Debtors                                                                   4,906                    4,519

Cash at bank and in hand                                                    524                    3,858
                                                                         ------                    -----
                                                                          6,500                    8,377

CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year                           (7,432)                  (2,978)
                                                                         -------                  -------
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS                                           (932)                   5,399
                                                                         -------                  -------
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES                                     8,650                    6,556

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES                                      (37)                     (34)

EQUITY MINORITY INTERESTS                                                  (140)                       -
                                                                         ------                   ------ 
NET ASSETS                                                        4       8,473                    6,522
                                                                         ======                   ======  


CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Called-up share capital                                           11      1,106                    1,033

Share premium account                                             12      4,785                    4,793

Other reserves                                                    12      2,425                       93

Profit and loss account                                           12        157                      603
                                                                         ------                   ------ 
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS                                                8,473                    6,522
                                                                         ======                   ====== 



CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2003


                                                                           2003                     2002
                                                                          #'000                    #'000

Net cash inflow from operating activities                                 (666)                      546

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Interest received                                                           42                        75

Interest paid                                                              (11)                      (22)

                                                                          ----                      ----   
Net cash inflow/ (outflow) from returns on investments and                 (31)                       53
servicing of finance
                                                                          ====                      ==== 

Taxation                                                                  (238)                     (888)

Capital expenditure and financial investment

Purchase of intangible fixed assets                                        (89)                        -

Purchase of tangible fixed assets                                         (335)                     (268)

Sale of tangible fixed assets                                                1                         9
                                                                          ----                      ----

Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial                   (423)                     (259)
investment
                                                                          ====                      ==== 
Acquisitions and disposals

Purchase of subsidiary undertaking                                      (3,324)                      (50)

Net cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings                             668                         -

Net cash disposed of with subsidiary                                      (796)                        -
undertakings

Investment in joint venture                                                  -                       (19)
                                                                          ----                      ----

Net cash outflow from acquisitions and disposals                        (3,452)                      (69)

                                                                         =====                      ==== 

Equity dividends paid                                                     (836)                     (587)
                                                                          ----                      ----

Cash (outflow)/inflow before management of liquid resources             (5,646)                   (1,204)
and financing

Management of liquid resources *

Cash withdrawn/(put) on 1 month deposit                                  2,000                    (2,000)

Financing

Issue of ordinary share capital                                              -                     6,268

Repayment of loan                                                            -                       (55)

Flotation costs                                                              -                    (1,203)
                                                                         -----                     -----
Net cash inflow from financing                                           2,000                     5,010
                                                                         =====                     ===== 
Increase in cash in the year                                            (3,646)                    1,806
                                                                         =====                     ===== 


* Property Fund Management plc includes term deposits as liquid resources.



CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2003

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO OPERATING CASH FLOWS

                                                                           2003                  2002
                                                                          #'000                 #'000

Operating loss                                                             (189)                1,474

Depreciation and amortisation charges                                       427                   268

Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets                                      (1)                   (5)

Increase in work in progress                                             (1,070)                    -

Increase in debtors                                                        (556)               (1,570)

Increase in creditors                                                       723                   379
                                                                          -----                 ----- 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                                  (666)                  546
                                                                          =====                 ===== 

ANALYSIS AND RECONCILIATION OF NET FUNDS/(DEBT)


                                                                                     
                                                                     1 January    Cash flow   31 December 
                                                                          2003                       2003
                                                                         #'000        #'000         #'000

Liquid resources                                                         2,000       (2,000)            -

Cash in hand, at bank                                                    1,857       (1,333)          524

Overdrafts                                                                   -       (2,313)       (2,313)
                                                                         -----        -----         ----- 
Net (debt)/cash                                                          3,857       (5,646)       (1,789)
                                                                         =====        =====         ===== 

Liquid resources consist of cash, which is not available
on demand.

                                                                           2003                  2002
                                                                          #'000                 #'000

(Decerease)/Increase in cash in the year                                 (3,646)                1,806

Cash outflow from decrease in debt and lease financing                        -                    55

Cash (inflow)/outflow from (decrease)/increase in liquid                 (2,000)                2,000
resources
                                                                          -----                 ----- 
Movement in net debt in the year                                         (5,646)                3,861

Net cash/(debt) at 1 January                                              3,857                    (4)
                                                                          -----                 ----- 
Net (debt)/cash at 31 December                                           (1,789)                3,857
                                                                          =====                 ===== 


RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER
2003

                                                                           2003                  2002
                                                                          #'000                 #'000

(Loss)/Profit for the financial year                                        (56)                1,334

Other recognised gains and losses relating to the year (net)                 31                     -

Dividends paid and proposed on equity shares                               (422)                 (723)

New shares issued                                                         2,398                 5,066
                                                                          -----                 ----- 
Net addition to shareholders' funds                                       1,951                 5,677

Opening shareholders' funds                                               6,522                   845
                                                                          -----                 ----- 
Closing shareholders' funds                                               8,473                 6,522
                                                                          =====                 ===== 


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2003


1.           BASIS OF PREPARATION


                The financial information is prepared on the historical cost
basis and in accordance with applicable UK accounting standards.  It comprises
consolidated financial information on two companies under common ownership and
management control, Property Fund Management plc and The iO Group Limited.  The
results and net assets of these two entities have been aggregated using merger
accounting principles.


2.           BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

                Subsidiary undertakings are accounted for from the effective
date of acquisition.

                Entities in which the Group holds an interest on a long-term
basis and which are jointly controlled by the Group and one, or more, other
ventures under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures.


3.           ACCOUNTING POLICIES

                The accounting policies are as stated in the last annual
accounts of the Group unless otherwise stated below:

               Intangible assets - goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and businesses,
representing any excess of the fair value of the consideration given over the
fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, is capitalised
and written off on a straight line basis over its useful economic life, which is
20 years. Provision is made for any impairment.

Work in progress

                Work in progress is stated at the lower of cost and net
realisable value. Cost includes direct labour and direct expenses and an
attributable proportion of overheads. Net realisable value is based on estimated
proceeds, less further costs expected to be incurred to completion.

Prior to 1 January 2003 the Group did not recognise Work in Progress. The change
in accounting policy has not necessitated a prior year adjustment since the
level of work in progress at 31st December 2002 was immaterial.


Revenue recognition

The Group's revenue is derived principally from management fees and performance
related fees in respect of industrial property funds.

The Group recognises revenue when, and to the extent that, it obtains the right
to consideration in exchange for services rendered.

Management fees are credited to profit and loss account as earned.  Performance
related fees are credited to profit and loss account when the outcome of a
contract can be assessed with reasonable certainty, and where outstanding
included in debtors as "amounts recoverable under contracts".




4. SEGMENT INFORMATION



   Classes of business:        Property fund management            Insurance broking                     Group
                                 2003            2002            2003             2002            2003            2002
                                #'000           #'000           #'000            #'000           #'000           #'000

   Turnover:

   Group and share of joint     9,041          10,294           1,707            1,720          10,748          12,014
   venture turnover
   Less: share of joint venture  (998)         (1,965)         (1,007)               -          (2,005)         (1,965)
   turnover
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----  

                                8,043           8,329             700            1,720           8,743          10,049

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ====== 

   Profit on ordinary activities
   before taxation:
   Group profit                  (175)          1,157              23              372            (152)          1,529

   Share of joint ventures'      (192)            474             491                -             299             474
   profit/(loss)
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----

                                 (367)          1,631             514              372             147           2,003

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======

   Net assets:

   Group net                    8,203           6,135               -               26           8,203           6,161
   assets
   Share of joint ventures' net    (4)            361             274                -             270             361
   assets
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----
                                                                                                                        
                                8,199           6,496             274               26           8,473           6,522

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======


   Geographical segments:          United Kingdom                       Europe                           Group
                                 2003            2002            2003             2002            2003            2002  
                                #'000           #'000           #'000            #'000           #'000           #'000

   Turnover by destination:

   Group and share of joint     6,736           8,851           4,012            3,163          10,748          12,014
   venture turnover
   Less: share of joint 
   venture                     (1,040)              -            (965)          (1,965)         (2,005)         (1,965)
   turnover
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----

                                5,696           8,851           3,047            1,198           8,743          10,049

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======

   Turnover by origin:

   Group and share of joint     7,329          10,049           3,419            1,965          10,748          12,014
   venture turnover
   Less: share of joint 
   venture  turnover           (1,007)              -            (998)          (1,965)         (2,005)         (1,965)
  
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----

                                6,322          10,049           2,421                -           8,743          10,049

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======

   Profit on ordinary activities
   before taxation:
   Group profit/(loss)          (752)           1,529             600                -            (152)          1,529

   Share of joint ventures'      491                -            (192)             474             299             474
   profit/(loss)
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----

                                (261)           1,529             408              474             147           2,003

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======

   Net assets:

   Group net assets            8,118            6,161              85                -           8,203           6,161

   Share of joint ventures' net  274                -              (4)             361             270             361
   assets
                                -----           -----           -----            -----           -----           -----

                               8,392            6,161              81              361           8,473           6,522

                                =====           =====           =====            =====           =====          ======




4.   SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)


     ACQUISITIONS


     The analyses presented above include the following amounts in respect of
operations acquired during the year which were all in the European property
fund management segment:

                                                                                                                        
 n                                                                       Europe
                                                                          #'000

     Group turnover:

        - by destination                                                    617

        - by origin                                                         617

     Group profit on ordinary activities before tax                         143

     Group net assets                                                        51

                                                                     ==========



5.   COST OF SALES, GROSS PROFIT AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES



                                                    Existing    Acquisitions        Total      Existing 
                                                  operations                                 operations
                                                        2003            2003         2003          2002
                                                       #'000           #'000        #'000         #'000



     Cost of sales                                     1,117             277        1,394         1,326

                                                       =====           =====        =====         ===== 

     Gross profit                                      7,009             340        7,349         8,723

                                                       =====           =====        =====         =====

     Other operating expenses                          8,410             198        8,608         7,249

                                                       =====           =====        =====         =====

     Operating expenses transferred to work in         1,070               -        1,070             -
     progress
                                                       =====           =====        =====         =====



6.    TAX ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES


      The tax charge comprises:                                                                                         
                                                                                 2003                  2002
                                                                                #'000                 #'000

      Current tax

      UK corporation tax                                                           61                   522

      UK corporation tax adjustment in respect of prior years                      (7)                   22

      Double tax relief                                                          (143)                    -

                                                                                  ---                   ---  

                                                                                  (89)                  544

      Foreign tax                                                                  58                     -

                                                                                  ---                   --- 

                                                                                  (31)                  544

      Share of joint ventures' tax - UK corporation tax                           151                   154

      Share of joint ventures' tax - Foreign tax                                    1

                                                                                  ---                   --- 

      Total current tax                                                           121                   698


      Deferred tax

      Origination and reversal of timing difference                                 3                    (9)

                                                                                  ---                   --- 

      Total tax on profit on ordinary activities                                  124                   689

                                                                                  ===                   === 


7.   DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED ON EQUITY SHARES
                                                                                 2003                  2002
                                                                                #'000                 #'000

     Interim paid of 2p (2002: 1.5p) per ordinary share                           422                   310

     Final proposed of nil  (2002: 2p) per ordinary share                           -                   413

                                                                                  ---                   --- 
                                                                                  422                   723
                                                                                  ===                   ===


8.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

     The calculations for earnings per share are based on the following profits and numbers of shares.

                                                                                 2003                  2002
                                                                                #'000                 #'000

     Profit for the financial year                                                (56)                1,334
                                                                                   ==                 =====

                                                                                 2003                  2002
                                                                     Number of shares      Number of shares
     Weighted average number of shares:

     For basic earnings per share                                          21,058,689            18,451,987

     Exercise of share options                                                 73,245               480,408

                                                                           ----------            ---------- 

     For diluted earnings per share                                        21,131,934            18,932,395

                                                                           ==========            ==========
9.     ACQUISITIONS


       On 12 March 2003, the Group acquired for a consideration of up to Euro3.5m the 50% of The iO Group Netherlands
       BV not already owned by it. The consideration consists of an initial payment of Euro1.5m, comprising a cash
       payment of Euro0.5m and the issue of 459,501 ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company to the value of Euro1m and
       a deferred payment of up to Euro2m dependent on the level of acquisition fees received by The iO Group
       Netherlands BV during a period of 36 months from the date of the agreement. The fair value of the total
       consideration was #2,405,000 and has created goodwill of #2,377,000, which is being amortised over 20
       years.

       On 27 May 2003, the Group acquired 75.1% of iOG Denmark Aps (a Danish corporation) for cash of DKK 751,000.
       The acquisition has created goodwill of #20,459, which is being amortised over 20 years.

       On 30 June 2003, the Group acquired 50% of Ascent Insurance Brokers Limited for a consideration of #125,000
       satisfied by the transfer of the Group's 100% interest in Thames Insurance Brokers Limited to Ascent
       Insurance Brokers Limited. The acquisition created goodwill of #13,000, which is being amortised over 20
       years.

       On 31 October 2003, the Group acquired for a consideration of up to Euro1.25m, 51% of each of Gateshead
       Investments Limited and Upperastoria Trading and Investments Limited (Cypriot corporations). The
       consideration consists of an initial cash payment of Euro250,000 and a deferred payment of Euro1,000,000 payable
       provided that the sellers remain employees of the Group 12 months after the date of the agreement.
       Upperastoria Trading and Investments Limited owns 100% of Celtic Asset Management zo.o (a Polish
       corporation). The fair value of the total consideration was #871,000 and the acquisition has created
       goodwill of #909,000, which is being amortised over 20 years.

       On 23 December 2003, the Group acquired for a consideration of up to Euro6.66m the 50% of GViO S.A.S not
       already owned by it. The consideration consists of an initial cash payment of Euro1.7m and the issue of
       1,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company with a value at acquisition of #1.7m and a deferred
       payment of up to Euro2.5m dependent on the level of acquisition fees received by GViO S.A.S up to the 31
       December 2007. The fair value of the total consideration was #4,894,000 and the acquisition has created
       goodwill of #4,977,000, which is being amortised over 20 years.


10.  INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES

                                                     2003                  2002
                                                    #'000                 #'000

     Fixed assets                                     174                   165

     Current assets                                 1,924                 1,321

                                                    -----                 -----

     Share of gross assets                          2,098                 1,486

     Liabilities due within one year               (1,841)               (1,125)

                                                    -----                 -----

     Share of net assets                              257                   361
                                                    =====                 ===== 

                                                     2003
                                                    #'000
     Share of net assets/Cost
     At 1 January 2003                                361

     Additions                                        125

     Share of retained loss for the year             (229)

     Disposals                                          -
                                                      --- 
     At 31 December 2003                              257
                                                      === 
     Goodwill

     At 1 January 2003                                  -

     Additions                                         13
     Amortised                                          -
                                                       -- 
     At 31 December 2003                               13
                                                       == 
     Net book value                                   270 
                                                      === 


11.  CALLED-UP SHARE CAPITAL
                                                                                                Allotted, called-up and 
                                                                  Authorised                          fully paid
     Date                                                     Number          #'000             Number            #'000
     31 December 2002  Ordinary shares of 5p each         30,000,000          1,500         20,665,394            1,033
     12 March 2003     New ordinary shares issued                  -              -            459,501               23
     23 December 2003  New ordinary shares issued                  -              -          1,000,000               50
                                                          ----------          -----         ----------            ----- 
     31 December 2003  Ordinary shares of 5p each         30,000,000          1,500         22,124,895            1,106
                                                          ==========          =====         ==========            =====

    
12.  RESERVES
                                              Share premium                        Profit and loss
                                                    account       Other reserves           account        Total
    Group                                             #'000                #'000             #'000        #'000

    At 31 December 2002                               4,793                   93               603        5,489         
                                                       
    Share issues                                          -                2,332                 -        2,332

    Expenses of equity share issues                      (8)                   -                 -           (8)

    Gain on overseas equity investment                    -                    -                32           32

    Retained loss for the year                            -                    -              (478)        (478)
                                                      -----                -----              -----        -----  

    At 31 December 2003                               4,785                2,425               157        7,367
                                                      =====                =====              =====       ===== 


13.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement has been extracted from the Group's
      accounts, which have been approved by the Board of Directors.

      The financial information set out above does not comprise the Company's statutory financial statements for
      the year ended 31 December 2003 or 2002. Statutory financial statements for 2002 have been delivered to the
      Registrar of Companies and those for 2003 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting.
      The auditors have reported on the 2002 financial statements and their report was unqualified and did not
      contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The auditors have not reported on
      the 2003 financial statements.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR QKCKKBBKBFQB

1 Year Property FD Mgt Chart

1 Year Property FD Mgt Chart

1 Month Property FD Mgt Chart

1 Month Property FD Mgt Chart