Chime reports 30 per cent new business growth in Q1 2010

In an interim management statement this morning, ahead of its annual general meeting today, chairman Lord Bell said: ‘The group overall in the first four months of 2010 has continued the progress made in 2009 with good growth. We expect to outperform the 2009 first half year operating income and operating profit and to be ahead of both budget and market expectations.'

He added that 77 per cent of forecast operating income for 2010 was committed, compared to 75 per cent at this time last year.

The group reported that its PR division has shown good growth in operating income and operating profit with strong performances from public affairs, financial PR, CSR and its geopolitical business Sans Frontières.

It also pointed to the recent opening of a new office in Singapore under the Pelham Bell Pottinger brand, with significant launch clients Temasek and Golden Agri.

Lord Bell added: ‘Our overall strategy is to manage our business on a cautious basis with careful cost control, and we are very pleased with our performance so far in 2010.'