Bingo chain based in Inverness saw numbers go up and down in its latest financial year
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Carlton Bingo experienced an increase in turnover of more than £400,000 for the 12 months ended March 31, 2019.
It also saw pre-tax profit drop by more than £400,000.
The firm operates a number of bingo clubs and ancillary businesses.
A strategic report accompanying the firm’s latest accounts stated: “While the underlying results for the group reflect the continued cost of living stresses being felt by our customers, inflationary pressures and increased competition for leisure time, a drop in customer visit frequency has been more than offset by increased spends at gross and net spend per head level.
“Importantly, gross customer spend per head, net of taxes, on main session bingo, interval bingo, gaming machines and bar and catering operations rose.”
Turnover increased from £15,162,511 for 2017/18 to £15,615,889 in the latest accounts. For the same period, pre-tax profit fell from £2,205,340 to £1,789,732.
Rising cost of sales and administrative expenses were factors.
The report added its continued focus on customer service and marketing provided optimism for the future.
A directors’ report stated: “The capital expenditure budget for 2019/20 includes plans to modernise the Elgin club and to complete the provision of LED lighting in three additional clubs. Our gaming machines estate will again be targeted for further modernisation with £224,000 planned expenditure.”
The average number of employees dropped from 317 in 2017/18 to 311, while staff costs increased from £5,517,695 to £5,935,180.
