Family-owned Leekes Retail & Leisure Group, based in South Wales and encompassing the Vale Resort, Hensol Castle Distillery, retail operations, and property ventures, has reported mixed results for the year ended 31 March 2025. The group achieved EBITDA of £5.2m and a profit before tax and exceptional items of £1.6m.
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While the Vale Resort and distillery performed strongly, retail sales fell 5% year-on-year due to inflationary pressures and a sluggish housing market affecting demand for high-value home purchases. However, delivered sales and profitability for the seven months to 31 October 2025 have recovered, with sales up 7% and profits of £0.6m compared with breakeven in the prior year.
Emma Leeke, managing director of Leekes Retail, highlighted ongoing economic challenges including rising living costs and staff expenses driven by the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions. She noted that £10m refurbishments at the flagship Llantrisant store and growth from the new Cheltenham store are expected to further boost sales.
The group has extended its £25m revolving credit facility with Barclays Bank to a four-year term and plans £15m in capital expenditure across core operations over the next three years. Mike Fowler, group FD, said low gearing of 15% and strong profits allow continued investment despite economic uncertainty.
Source: www.furniturenews.net
