Aviva and Unilever wins help TMW parent Creston grow profits

by Noelle McElhatton, marketingdirectmag.co.uk 23-Jun-09, 11:49

LONDON - Creston, owner of integrated shop Tullo Marshall Warren and ad agency Delaney Lund Knox Warren (DLKW), has reported a rise in pre-tax profits of 5% for the year to 31 March.

The group, which also owns market research agencies ICM and Marketing Sciences, said this was thanks to new business wins including Aviva, BMI Healthcare, Marie Curie, Trinity Mirror and Unilever.

Net new business rose last year to £15m, up from £9m a year earlier.

The group is upbeat for the following year, saying its order book remains "encouraging" but is setting cash aside for digital investments.

The improved profit performance was driven by a 4% rise in revenues to £83.8m.

But the plc will not pay a final dividend, partly because of the continued need to invest in the digital offer.

Creston says its focus on market research, digital and healthcare marketing boosted revenues, weightings which it says will continue to serve us well in the coming year when the world’s economies begin to climb out of recession.