It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all back to work in 2023. A great deal was achieved last year and a lot of effort put in by all of you. I do hope you managed to have a relaxing time with your family and friends over the Christmas break. Some of you had to work over the holiday period so a special thank you to anyone who was affected.

2022 was a difficult and challenging year. No-one could have predicted the international crisis in Ukraine and the significant effects of that war on all of us. As we move in to 2023 those changes, especially the increase in energy costs, are likely to remain for some time. We have already factored those costs in to our future strategy, but as always we will continue to monitor the market. I hope we will see a balancing up of the economy, but we must remain prepared for the unexpected.

Activity in all our trading companies remains high with many varied and exciting opportunities across the board. Our reputation for professionalism in the market is unparalleled. We offer sound engineering solutions to our clients when working with them to develop their projects. Our clients and stakeholders respect us not only for our years of experience but for our respect for our staff, the environment and for anyone affected by our work. We all have a duty to maintain a vibrant, safe and motivational workplace. Because we spend so much of our time at work it is important that we are challenged by our duties and inspired by our colleagues.

In 2023 we will continue to require new employees at all levels in all our companies. We have helped the careers of so many of our staff and this will continue with our new recruits. Our brilliant teams are the strength of the company, and boosting their numbers is necessary for future growth.

Future growth is certainly the message as we start the New Year. Our order books both in our individual companies and collectively have never been better. The firm foundations of the company are now well established to support our expected increases in sales.

Our success is only because of what you all give to this business. We are set fair for a great 2023 which I hope will ensure prosperity and stability for everyone.

Tony Rimoldi