Revenue Down, Profits Up for Chime Insight Arm

Despite a drop in annual revenue from £13.6m to £11.0m, Chime's Insight and Engagement (CIE) division has reported a 19% rise in operating income to £9.1m for the year 2013, while operating profit increased 29% to £2.8m.

The Insight and Engagement division is made up of Opinion Leader Research, Facts International and digital business Watermelon Research, which according to Chime was responsible for much of the division's growth last year. Revenue comparisons are difficult, with 2012's total of £13.6m boosted by the Olympics, but the latest figure is also down on 2011's reported figure of £12.1m, though up on 2010's £10.3m.

At the Group level, Chime Communications reported an 8% increase in operating income to £169.5m, while operating profit was flat at £25.8m. Profit before tax fell 2% to £25.0m, and operating profit margin was down 15.2% from 16.4%.

CEO Christopher Satterthwaite (pictured) commented: 'We have continued to focus on developing all areas of the business and are pleased with the progress of our advertising and marketing services, healthcare communications, PR and insight and engagement divisions which all grew market share and reported double digit growth in operating income and operating profit.'

Web site: www.cie.uk.com .