Aukett Swanke Share Discussion Threads

[miss bossy boots] 14/10/2009 10:31

Can this company survive is they do not get the payments they are owed from Dubai?

[cascudi] 13/10/2009 19:57

small buy today. any news?

[miss bossy boots] 05/10/2009 13:08

12.5% down at the moment. News anyone?

[miss bossy boots] 05/10/2009 13:02

21/07/09

Architects AukettFitzroyRobinson have been appointed by The Firoka Group on the next phase of the Heythrop Park Hotel Golf and
Country Club, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The practice has previously worked on gaining town planning and listed building
consents for various parts of the development.
The next phase will begin the transformation of the current facilities by creating a Crowne Plaza Brand Hotel (InterContinental Group
- IHG) with 197 keys, consisting of new and refurbished bedrooms, bars and restaurant. This phase also includes the demolition and
re-building of what was formerly known as the Brassey building, into new banquet and function facilities plus meeting rooms, toilets,
lifts and break-out areas at ground floor level, accommodating both business and private functions, with bedrooms above.
The international design practice will be working alongside design and build contractor GallifordTry, with whom they have previously
worked with on The Grove Hotel in Rickmansworth.
A new 18-hole golf course within the extensive grounds of the listed main building complex has just been completed, and a separate
luxury boutique hotel is planned for the main house and wings in the future.
Colin Hobart, Director Hotels and Leisure at AukettFitzroyRobinson, commented: "We are very pleased to be
appointed by Firoka on the next phase of the Heythrop Park Hotel Golf and Country Club. Our overall design concept throughout
was to compliment the existing listed buildings while at the same time ensuring it was suited for modern use as a luxury hotel
and leisure facility. We have an excellent working relationship with GallifordTry stemming from our work together on The Grove
Hotel and we look forward to collaborating with them on this project."
This phase of the redevelopment has now mobilised and started on site.

Still in business.

[billy_no_mates] 28/8/2009 08:50

Thanks for the advice Masurenguy. I had indeed done my research, sent post_340, made my purchase & within a week I get 6% profit.
(isn't that what this share dealing malarkey is all about ??)

Good luck to you all. (especially those sat on a paper loss:-) )

BNM

[billy_no_mates] 11/8/2009 08:14

Hi WD40, sounds to me like your sat on a paper loss, lol.

[wd 40] 10/8/2009 21:39

BNM,

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

How uninteresting your life must be.

lololololololololol.

[billy_no_mates] 10/8/2009 21:27

I tend to agree, uncertainty is hated by the market, but it does provide good buying opertunities if you fancy a bit of a punt. Bought monthly over 2005 & 2006 and got out at 16p. Starting to look very tempting again at this low level !!!
BNM

[masurenguy] 04/8/2009 18:44

Another leg down. Market hates uncertainty and they could also decide to 'kitchen sink' various problems and write-offs this year too !

Continued suspension of this project will cause a significant shortfall in projected group revenues for the current year.

[hvs] 22/7/2009 15:45

LOL!!!!

and its all going WAGES for IDIOTS.

[masurenguy] 22/7/2009 15:34

RNS Number : 9991V
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Group PLC
21 July 2009

Trading Update

As outlined in previous trading updates and in our recent interim results, our
Russian operation was successful in winning work on a large new mixed used
scheme on the Moscow River. Unfortunately, due to funding issues, the developer of this scheme has now asked us to temporarily suspend work whilst these matters are resolved. Whilst it is hoped these funding issues will be resolved swiftly, it is possible that the project will be suspended for a lengthy period. Continued suspension of this project will cause a significant shortfall in projected group revenues for the current year.

As also outlined in our recent interim results, the Group has three major claims
for fees under existing contracts with clients. Two of these claims relate to
additional work performed whilst the third relates to fees due where litigation
is at an advanced stage. The directors have made estimates they consider
reasonable and prudent of the most probable outcome of these three claims, but
the actual outcome may differ from those estimates.

In addition we have continued to experience some slippage in UK projects and are
currently undertaking a consultation process regarding a number of senior
practice staff in the UK. Should a decision be made to further reduce the number
of senior practice staff, the Group would incur additional restructuring charges
in the current year. Accordingly the directors believe that AFR will report a significantly worse result for the year to 30 September 2009 than previously anticipated. The extent of the difference will in part depend upon the length of suspension of the Russian project. The Group's management continues to focus on adjusting the Group's cost base to reflect medium term work forecasts, and accordingly will take action to reduce costs where necessary to achieve this aim.

The board remains confident of the Group's ability to trade through the current
very difficult circumstances affecting the economy as a whole and the property
industry in particular. A further update will be made in due course.

The Times
July 22, 2009

Shares in Aukett Fitzroy Robinson fell 0.80p to 3.70p after the architect that said the suspension of work on the Moscow River project in Russia would significantly hit full-year results.

[masurenguy] 21/7/2009 16:06

All time low today since AIM admission over 3 years ago !

[miss bossy boots] 15/7/2009 10:26

Conservation: Principles, Dilemmas and Uncomfortable Truths
Two-day Symposium
24 - 25 September 2009

At the Geological Society, Piccadilly

This two-day event is intended for the public, art historians, curators, conservators, architects, museum professionals, artists, students and everyone with an interest in the subject. It will be followed by a book launch and drinks reception in the John Madejski Fine Rooms at the Royal Academy of Arts at 6pm on 25 September.

Confirmed speakers include:
Jhilmil Kishore
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Architects

Anyone going?

[miss bossy boots] 15/7/2009 10:07

Rogers lording it over Aukett Fitzroy Robinson
26 June, 2009

Astragal is wondering what the good people at Aukett Fitzroy Robinson are thinking


No sooner do we hear that 20 associates are taking a 10 per cent cut in salaries – following the 20 per cent taken by chief executive Nicolas Thompson - than the nice people at Companies House let it be known that the Prince of Wales' nbf Richard Rogers personally raked in an extra 38 per cent, making his pay packet worth £2.5 million last year (up to April 2008). The firm's turnover actually grew 30 per cent to £32.9m, which no doubt eased the pain of rejection from the Chelsea Barracks scheme. The world is a fickle place indeed as AFR are finding out.

[miss bossy boots] 15/7/2009 09:55

Judge reprimands Aukett's for cover-up after project architect quit
9 July, 2009

By Ruth Bloomfield

A High Court judge has reprimanded Aukett Fitzroy Robinson for misleading a billionaire client after the architect working on his high-profile scheme quit.

Simon Halabi, the reclusive Syrian born entrepreneur, hired the firm in 2005 to draw up plans to redevelop the grade I listed former Naval & Military Club on Piccadilly as a six star hotel.

However the scheme was dogged by planning delays, and was eventually mothballed in 2007. Earlier this year Aukett's launched legal proceedings against Halabi, claiming for unpaid fees.

The Halabi family trust counterclaimed that the firm failed to inform them when architect Jeremy Blake left Aukett's – an omission Mr Justice Coulson this week described as "fraudulent" and "actionable", blaming chief executive Nicholas Thompson for the cover up.

But the judge did accept that Aukett's were still entitled to fees for the work they did on the hotel, and threw out Halabi's claims that the firm's negligence was to blame for delays in the planning process.

A decision on how much Aukett's is owed will be made at a future hearing later this year.

In a statement released to the City on Wednesday afternoon, the firm said: "We are very pleased that the judge has entirely dismissed the counterclaim of professional negligence and that he also found that we should receive payment for the services performed.

"The judge did however find that communication of the resignation of a senior member of the project team should not have been delayed and therefore found against the company in respect of this element of the counterclaims."

Meanwhile the club – nicknamed the In and Out Club – remains empty "and not a little desolate", according to the judgment, which described it as one of the most iconic buildings in Britain.

[miss bossy boots] 15/7/2009 09:51

Further re recovery litigation (Aukett Fitzroy Robinson)
Date : 08/07/2009 @ 16:35
Source : UK Regulatory (RNS and others)
Stock : Aukett Fitzroy Robinson (AUK)


Further re recovery litigation (Aukett Fitzroy Robinson)


RNS Number : 3630V
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Group PLC
08 July 2009


For immediate release - Wednesday 8 July 2009


Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Group Plc


Update on Recovery Litigation


As disclosed in our interim statement on 18 June 2009, we are pursuing a
significant claim for unpaid fees where recovery litigation is at an advanced
stage.


This litigation concerns two related projects at Mentmore Towers in
Buckinghamshire and 90-95 / 100 Piccadilly in Central London.


Judgment as to the merits of our claim, and those of the counterclaims, has now
been handed down. The subsequent hearing, regarding quantification of the claims
found to have merit, is scheduled to be held towards the end of the year.


We are very pleased that the judge has entirely dismissed the counterclaim of
professional negligence and that he also found that we should receive payment
for the services performed.


The judge did however find that communication of the resignation of a senior
member of the project team should not have been delayed and therefore found
against the Company in respect of this element of the counterclaims. The judge
also criticised the witness statement and representations made by Nicholas
Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, in support of our claim.


In light of the judgment handed down, the directors have reviewed the financial
estimates previously made in respect of this recovery litigation, and have
concluded that these remain a reasonable and prudent estimate of the most
probable outcome.

[miss bossy boots] 15/7/2009 09:41

Aukett Fitzroy Robinson slips into the red at the half-year
08:38 18 Jun 2009
By John Leitch


Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, the architects quoted on the Stock Exchange, reports a woeful six-month trading period which has resulted in a pre-tax loss of £1.2m.

Staff levels in the UK were cut by 36% to produce an annualised saving of £2.9m but there is the prospect of more to come.

Nicholas Thompson, chief executive, said: "In the face of the steady downward trend in our markets we have progressively taken steps to reduce our operating costs.

"Given the size of our secured, but uninstructed order book, we remain confident that we will be able to trade through this downturn."

Addressing future prospects, Thompson added: "We see no firm evidence of any upturn and therefore in the short term management attention will focus on the continuing need to lower our cost base."

[miss bossy boots] 07/7/2009 13:54

Aukett Fitzroy Robinson strengthens its board
2009-07-01 10:01:09

Business Financial Newswire - Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Group Plc, the international practice of architects and interior design specialists, has appointed Anthony Simmonds as an independent non-executive director.

It said Simmonds is a qualified chartered accountant and former senior partner of a top 50 accountancy practice and the appointment is part of its long term aim to support the business as it grows.

[miss bossy boots] 07/7/2009 13:52

Aukett issues profit warning
1 May 2009

Architect Aukett Fitzroy Robinson has issued a profit warning after being hit by retrospective fee cuts in the Middle East

It had been expected to make a loss in the six months to 31 March 2009, owing to restructuring costs, but the company said writedowns in the UAE had increased the figure.

It added: "In addition, a large-scale Middle East project is to be re-tendered, even though a letter of intent had been received against which we were holding a large UK staff contingent."

Last month Building reported that Abu Dhabi developer Aldar had asked for 20% fee cuts from architects and engineers.

The company had £1.2m in cash on 31 March and said it was "sufficiently robust" to achieve a profit for the full-year.

[miss bossy boots] 07/7/2009 13:47

2008 Rank 2007 Rank Practice Qualified architects in the UK 2008 Qualified architects based overseas 2008 UK architectural fee income 2008 Overseas architectural fee income 2008

1 2 Atkins 381 516 £33,000,000 £36,000,000
2 1 BDP 347 138 £63,020,000 £28,600,000
3 3 Foster + Partners 319 62 £23,100,000 £136,400,000
4 4 Archial Group 258 67 £38,000,000 £5,000,000
5 12 Capita Architecture 250 2 £32,400,000 £400,000
6 6 Aedas 174 980 £30,004,000 £5,695,000
7 5 Hamiltons 170 12 £19,000,000 £880,000
8 8 HOK/Populous 163 863 £26,920,000 £294,505,500
9 11 PRP 159 4 £23,262,000 £1,414,000
10 7 3DReid 145 1 £18,750,000 £1,200,000
11 13 Broadway Malyan 141 78 £29,899,000 £22,488,000
12 9 Nightingale Associates 133 5 £18,285,000 £675,000
13 14 Sheppard Robson 126 0 £25,349,000 £445,000
14 15 RMJM 122 324 £11,711,000 £78,600,000
15 17 Allies and Morrison 98 0 £20,700,000 £2,300,000
16 25 Austin-Smith:Lord 96 0 n/a n/a
16 20 Scott Brownrigg 96 4 £16,529,338 £2,377,151
18 22 Stride Treglown 87 0 £15,700,000 0
19 42 NPS Group 86 0 £20,469,558 0
20 18 Keppie Design 82 0 £9,977,000 £2,465,000
21 15 Chapman Taylor 79 199 £18,032,000 £32,351,000
22 25 RHWL Architects 70 5 £8,000,000 £2,000,000
23 79 Taylor Young 68 0 £7,906,000 0
24 37 Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios 66 0 £8,340,373 £304,807
25 25 Chetwood Architects 65 2 £7,875,000 £175,000
25 24 EPR Architects 65 1 £10,500,000 £100,000
27 44 ADP 64 0 £6,170,500 0
28 59 Bond Bryan Architects 62 0 £11,381,000 0
28 48 Purcell Miller Tritton 62 0 £11,000,000 £670,000
28 25 TP Bennett 62 5 £17,100,000 £600,000
31 50 EllisWilliams Architects 59 14 £8,500,000 £150,000
32 50 Jacobs 58 240 £6,250,000 £26,000,000
33 34 TPS Architects 57 0 £6,100,000 0
34 23 Aukett Fitzroy Robinson 56 90 £10,675,000 £11,923,000

Fallen from 23rd to 34th

[hirani2] 04/7/2009 00:03

I had someone ring me today claiming that he represented Aukett chairman and that the Chairman is to annonce very positive figures on monday.
Any one else received a phone call today ?

[masurenguy] 18/6/2009 07:44

Last years £1.2m profit turned into a £1.2m loss - Tight cash position - Strong forward project visibility - Could there be some potential bad debts in the pipeline ?
Still watching from the sidelines
_____________________________________________________


RNS Number : 0843U
Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Group PLC
18 June 2009

Interim Results

Key highlights

27% fall in group revenue to £8.2m (2008: £11.3m) as a result of the continuing depressed property markets in the UK and Continental Europe.

Good performance from Russian operation with stable revenue and profits increasing to £595,000 (2008: £264,000).

One off costs in the UK of £945,000 relating to restructuring and relocation.

Group loss before tax of £1.2m (2008: profit of £1.2m)

Cash balances of £1.2m exceed debt of £0.9m

Within the UK we have obtained planning approval for twelve major projects with a combined construction value of £1.5bn

36% reduction in UK staffing levels will produce an annualised saving of £2.9m

Nicholas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Aukett Fitzroy Robinson commented: 'In the face of the steady downward trend in our markets we have progressively taken steps to reduce our operating costs. Given the size of our secured, but uninstructed order book, we remain confident that we will be able to trade through this downturn and return to growth with our long term client base as and when market sentiment and economic activity improves.'

Overview

We have highlighted in previous reports the inevitable impact on the property industry of the global economic recession. These interim results now clearly reflect the depressed level of activity in the property market throughout our network, particularly in the UK and Continental Europe. This downturn has been compounded by a reduction in availability of funding for new developments with consequential delays to a number of projects. Against this background the group produced a loss before tax in the first six months of £1,216,000 (2008: profit £1,182,000).

In these turbulent conditions our group net cash position has held up at £238,000 (2008: £1,652,000) compared to our year end position of £410,000.

Operations

The impact of the global economic downturn has been felt across our network of offices in reduced activity levels, notably in the UK, where revenues fell by £2,716,000 to £5,512,000 (2008: £8,228,000) reflecting a 33% reduction. Twelve planning applications with a construction value of £1.5bn were in progress during the period and of these ten have so far received consent. However, to date only two of these schemes, with a construction value of £40m, have proceeded to the next stage reflecting the cautiousness in the client market due to tenant scarcity and also the general lack of funding due to the terms imposed by lenders for equity participation from developers.

During the period the UK moved its main office location resulting in a number of one-off costs amounting to £475,000.

The most significant factor affecting the UK results related to operations in the Middle East. A re-appraisal of on-going projects resulted in some fees being renegotiated and others being delayed whilst such negotiations took place. This reduced revenue in the period by some £585,000. Additionally, the UK operation retained a number of staff in excess of the optimum in respect of a project that was won in February but later had the award withdrawn. Up to 40 staff would have been allocated to the project had it proceeded. This resulted in additional staff costs in the period of £120,000.

Internationally Russia's performance was mixed with a number of major projects being cancelled or delayed due to funding difficulties in the early part of the financial year. This was offset by the success in winning a new mixed use scheme on the Moscow River totalling more than 5,200,000 sq ft. of development in January 2009. Revenue remained largely unchanged at £1,908,000 (2008: £1,874,000) with profits of 31% (£595,000). However there remains a residual level of uncertainty on all projects in the current economic environment.

Continental Europe suffered from a similar decline in activity to the UK with revenues falling to £757,000 (2008: £1,175,000) a decline of 36%. Such a rapid reduction in revenue negates the possibility of achieving a profit and the small loss produced is considered a success in the circumstances.

The improving performance of our associate in Berlin was encouraging where, after many years of minimal profits, a number of projects have been won including the Bundesdruckerei development and the Louisencenter retail development.

Finally, the group has three major claims for fees under existing contracts with clients. Two of these claims relate to additional work performed whilst the third relates to the fee due where recovery litigation is at an advanced stage. The directors have made estimates that they consider reasonable and prudent of the most probable outcome of these three claims based upon available information including historical precedents and professional advice. However, a different outcome from any of these claims from that anticipated could increase or decrease the group's year end results. Any associated costs have been written-off as incurred.

Prospects

At this moment we see no firm evidence of any upturn and therefore in the short term management attention will focus on the continuing need to lower our cost base to reflect current trading activity. In the longer term, when markets recover, we will revert to our corporate objective to increase revenues to £25m. Given the steps already taken to reduce our operating costs and in view of our considerable secured, but uninstructed order book, we remain confident that we will be able to trade through this downturn and return to growth with our long term client base as and when market sentiment and economic activity improves.