Burke’s sales record but profit less

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33413, 20 December 1973, Page 18

Burke’s sales record but profit less

Although group turnover of Burke's Caterers, Ltd, for the six months to : September 30 was at a record level, profit was less than for the same period last year.

! However, the chairman, j(Mr R. P. Thompson) says in 'the half-yearly report that ■the profit is the second highiest recorded by the company ■ (for a September half year. ! Despite the increased; i turnover, the lower profit ■ was not unexpected, Mr! ‘Thompson says, because of the higher costs of labour.

and substantially higher food (Costs. These could not all be! ! recouped by increased; prices. The disposal and demolition of certain assets in-> ; volved exceptional costs, | ■ some of which were not de-1 iductible for taxation purposes. A large catering contract; 'was unprofitable and has now been terminated. There were poor attend-' ances at a number of racing ■ and trotting meetings during last winter. As announced, an un-; changed interim dividend of 6 per cent was paid. At the Bush Inn Hotel the: area of car parking has been) increased, and work on the i improved access to the' bottle . store is nearing com-I pletion. me delays encountered ini the additions to the Bush; Inn Courts have now been! resolved, and tenders will be; called next year, Mr Thomp-i 'son says. It is expected that! the work will now be com-: pieted before the end of 1974.; when the company should be i able to provide conference, and steak bar facilities of ! international standard, he! 'says.