Yell revenues lifted by Website demand

Directories group Yell today said online revenues in the UK jumped 71% during an “outstanding” quarter for its Yell.com business.

While sales from UK printed directories fell 1% to £142.5m (€208m), Yell said its website – promoted by actor James Nesbitt – achieved turnover of £20.2m (€30m) between April and June and saw the number of searches rise 20.8%.

Yell said the “out-performance” from Yell.com meant it remained on course for UK revenues growth of 3% in this financial year, which ends next April.

Chief executive John Condron said the company, which has substantial operations in the United States and Spain, had made a strong start to the year.

He added: “In the UK, Yell.com’s outstanding growth drove a strong overall performance, despite the expected decline in printed directory revenues due to continued competition.”

Revenues across the group were up 18.6% on a year earlier to £313.6m (€458m), while operating profits lifted 3.4% to £99.1m (€145m). Pre-tax profits fell 54% to £70.7m (€102m), as a result of financing charges related to the acquisition of Telefonica’s printed directories business in Spain earlier this year.