FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Compass Group has delivered a strong year of recovery following the impacts of the pandemic last year, supported by record new business wins and client retention.
In its published full year results for the year ended 30 September 2021, the group saw underlying revenue recover to 88% of pre-Covid revenue by Q4. Underlying margin also improved to 5.8% in Q4.
On a statutory basis, revenue decreased by 10.2% reflecting the continued impact of the pandemic on the business. Statutory operating profit increased by 85.4% to £545 million reflecting controllable actions taken by the group which included resizing the cost base and improved cost control.
The group also reported record new business wins of £2.1 billion, with around half from first time outsourcing and client retention of 95.4%.
Within the group’s divisions, Healthcare & Senior Living and Defence, Offshore & Remote sectors performed well above pre-pandemic volumes, with strong recovery in Education and Sports & Leisure by Q4, while revenues in its Business & Industry sector have remained subdued due to the delayed return to offices in its major markets.
Given its strong cashflow and increasing confidence in the future, the group has reinstated its dividend with a payout policy of c.50% of underlying earnings.
Dominic Blakemore, Group Chief Executive, said: “Our strong financial recovery in 2021, including record new business wins and client retention, is a credit to our teams’ exceptional resilience, dedication and expertise in extraordinary circumstances. We are pleased to be reinstating the dividend reflecting our strong cash flow and increasing confidence in the Group’s performance.
“Looking ahead we are now focused on growth, driven by encouraging market trends and our ability to provide more bespoke, digital and sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients in a post-pandemic world. The tailwinds from first time outsourcing continue and, combined with our differentiated operating model and investment opportunities, we are in a strong position for growth.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, our strategic focus is on sustained growth for the future, to enhance our competitive advantages and further strengthen our position as an industry leader in food services. We are increasingly excited about the significant structural growth opportunities globally, leading to the potential for revenue and profit growth above historical rates, returning margin to pre-pandemic levels, and rewarding shareholders with further returns.”
Recruiting for soft FM services is proving more difficult in the post-Covid workplace. So, what can FMs do to overcome this?
Sara Bean, Editor of FMJ, and Jess Pritchard, Head of Corporate Sector at Moneypenny are joined by panellists:
- Mark Whittaker, General Manager, Thomson FM & Chair of IWFM
- Ian Wright, Soft Services Manager, University College London
- David Bauld, Group Facilities Manager, Paradigm Housing
- Coleen Cloherty, Director of Build Recruitment
Together they will discuss the current skills shortage in a number of FM areas, ways to keep staff engaged in their job through brilliant culture, and how outsourcing could be a solution to the recruitment issue. Secure your place now for Thursday, 25th November at 11am.
To register click here.
