Highbury Sees No Improvement In Difficult Ad Conditions

Conditions in the UK advertising market continue to be difficult, according to a first half financial results statement from publishing group Highbury House Communications. The group says that compared with the current trading conditions, those of H1 2001 were reasonably favourable, with the major downturn not occuring until the second half of last year.

Business publishing revenues have been particularly weak, with revenues down by 7% and profits off by 50% in H1. Advertising Association figures suggest that business ad volumes overall were down by 20% in Q1 2002.

Consumer publishing has been stronger, with profits up 21% on revenue up just 1%. Underlying advertising revenues were down by 3%, whilst circulation was up 7%.

Pre-tax profits at the group were down by 7% at £2.5 million, mostly due to an increased goodwill charge in respect of Easypress Technologies following its change of status to an associate company. Overall advertising revenue was down by 5%, whilst circulation revenues increased by 8%.

Subscribers to MediaTel Insight can access this report in full, along with more national and international media analysis, forecasts and news. For subscription details please visit the site.