RPS says first-quarter trading lower than last year

29th Apr 2010 08:07

Environmental and planning consultancy RPS said trading in the first quarter has been at a lower level than in the same period last year.In the early part of this year businesses in Europe and Queensland were adversely affected by exceptionally bad weather, the group said."Whilst we have yet to experience a meaningful upturn in activity there is some evidence in most of our markets that the worst effects of recession may be over," commented chairman Brook Land. "The efficiencies and reduced cost base within our business mean that as clients become more active we will be able to benefit relatively quickly." "As previously indicated, the first half of the current year will show significantly reduced profit compared to the same period last year, when trading conditions were generally better. However, the prospect of an improvement in the second half remains realistic," Land added.