A new study by industry analyst Plimsoll Publishing looking into the financial state of the UK Cleaning Equipment & Materials industry has, despite the UK recession, awarded 226 of UK’s top 651 Cleaning Equipment & Materials companies a strong financial rating for their outstanding financial performance.

Plimsoll has rated each of the UK’s largest 651 cleaning equipment & materials companies into one of five ratings based on their overall financial performance. Ratings have been given as Strong, Good, Mediocre, Caution and Danger.

Rating No of co’s                    % of companies                    Definition

Strong 226                           35%                                    Delivering excellent performance
Good 68                               10%                                    Holding a respectable position
Mediocre 124                        19%                                    Needing improvement
Caution 114                          18%                                    In a weakened financial position
Danger 119                          18%                                    Their survival is now in question

David Pattison, Senior Analyst at Plimsoll, has the following view on the findings: “It was no real surprise to see the high number of companies on the Danger list, given the current economic crisis.

However we were very surprised to see the high number of excellent businesses making it on to the strong list. I think these firms have really upped their game in these difficult times and they are concrete proof that necessity is the mother of invention.”

During the latest financial year analysed, these 226 strong firms have boasted the following impressive performance statistics.

On average these firms have seen sales increase by 5.3%. This figure is an impressive statistic in a market which is generally flat. This demonstrate the strongest players’ ability to take market share from their rivals

For the strong companies, their profit margins are sitting at an average of 4.1%, as they have cut costs and used competitive buying to increase their bottom line.

Debts have all but been removed from these companies. Most are operating completely debt free, thus reducing their reliance on the banks and other lenders.

Big improvements in efficiency means these firms are now delivering over £137,000 sales per employee compared to others in the industry that struggle to deliver £113,000. This gives them a significant competitive advantage.
“Obviously there are real concerns over the 233 firms rated as Caution and Danger, their futures look extremely uncertain," continues David. "Their management are now operating under severe financial pressure where even normal trading is proving hazardous. Many of these firms seem likely to be sold off; they are at an extremely high risk of failure unless they turn their performance around fast.”

This special edition of the Plimsoll Analysis offers a unique insight into the changing financial performance of UK’s leading Cleaning Equipment & Materials companies. Each firm has been named, analysed and rated based on their latest financial performance.

Copies of the Plimsoll Analysis - Cleaning Equipment & Materials can be obtained for £350 by:

T: Clair Sherwood 01642 626422
E: c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk
W: www.plimsoll.co.uk