dreamcatcher
- 21 Oct 2012 10:11
Sanderson is a publicly owned, UK provider of software solutions and IT services. We supply innovative, market-focused solutions primarily to the multi-channel retail and manufacturing sectors.
Highly experienced in the markets we serve, we forge long-term relationships with our customers. This allows us to consistently deliver real business benefit and help our clients achieve rapid return on their investment in IT.
Established in 1983, Sanderson has a multi-million pound turnover and track record of profitable growth. We employ around 150 people nationwide and continually invest in developing technology skills and business know-how.
We strive to be the best in our chosen fields and achieve market leadership through the quality of our products, people and services.
Sanderson is an established and profitable software and IT services business specialising in the multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets. Operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, the Group delivers solutions to organisations with turnovers typically between £5m and £250m. Sanderson maintains a strong market position due to the quality of its products and services and its successful track record.
The Group has a strong revenue model, with approximately 50% of revenue arising from recurring licence, support and maintenance contracts. A further 40% is derived from the existing customer base, with the balance represented by revenue from new customers.
Sanderson is a resilient business. The strength of the Group's large, well established customer base is expected to enable Sanderson to trade robustly in the current financial year, subject to general market conditions prevailing within the UK economy. Our focus on all aspects of multi-channel retail, including the active and growing online sales sector, provides a level of protection from the uncertain market conditions currently affecting retail.
The Sanderson business was founded in 1983 and grew organically and by acquisition to over £119m revenue. In December 2003, the original Sanderson Group was demerged into three separate, independent entities with the present Group retaining the Sanderson name and brand. Sanderson is a name widely recognised as an established provider of software and IT services.
The Group's industry knowledge, proven revenue model, track record and acquisition experience, gives Sanderson the confidence that it is well placed to deliver both organic and acquisition-led growth in the future
http://www.sanderson.com/

dreamcatcher
- 13 Dec 2012 14:57
- 10 of 46
Sat there for a few hrs after news, now moving.
dreamcatcher
- 13 Dec 2012 16:35
- 11 of 46
Debt free and sitting on cash and a strong order book. Good rise today
dreamcatcher
- 05 Feb 2013 15:41
- 12 of 46
Another good rise. 7%
dreamcatcher
- 08 Feb 2013 14:47
- 13 of 46
These looked to cheap, starting a correction now
dreamcatcher
- 12 Feb 2013 12:23
- 14 of 46
Pleased I kept hold of these now.
dreamcatcher
- 14 Mar 2013 14:41
- 15 of 46
On the move this afternoon.
dreamcatcher
- 14 Mar 2013 14:55
- 16 of 46
Up just under 15% in 20 mins .
dreamcatcher
- 14 Mar 2013 22:27
- 17 of 46
The company being an IC tip sent through today, hence the sudden buying and share price gain.
dreamcatcher
- 17 Mar 2013 21:36
- 18 of 46
As of Mar 15, 2013, the consensus forecast amongst 3 polled investment analysts covering Sanderson Group plc advises investors to purchase equity in the company. This has been the consensus forecast since the sentiment of investment analysts improved on Nov 02, 2009. The previous consensus forecast advised investors to hold their position in Sanderson Group plc.
dreamcatcher
- 02 Apr 2013 15:27
- 19 of 46
Sold my holding.
dreamcatcher
- 30 Apr 2013 07:09
- 20 of 46
Not in this one, for those interested -
Pre-Close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 5384D
Sanderson Group PLC
30 April 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30TH APRIL 2013
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"Continuing Positive Momentum"
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'The Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces the following trading update ahead of the announcement of its interim results for the six months ended 31st March 2013, which are scheduled for release on Wednesday 5th June, 2013.
For the six month period to 31st March ('the period'), the trading results will show revenue growing to almost £6.4 million and profit from operating activities growing by over 10% to around £0.9 million compared with the first six months of the previous year to 31st March 2012 ('last year'). Reflecting a sales mix which includes more Sanderson owned proprietary products and services, gross margins improved to almost 88% compared with 85% 'last year' and 82% in the previous year. During 'the period', pre-contracted recurring revenues rose to £3.96million, representing just over 60% of total revenues. Whilst order intake during the first half has been slower than 'last year', the order book remains strong and sales prospects, going into the second half year, are very good.
Since the year end, Sanderson has not detected any noticeable improvement in general UK economic trading conditions which remain challenging. Uncertainty surrounding the economy affects the confidence of our customers and of prospective customers in making investment decisions. General manufacturing and traditional mail order fulfilment markets remain sluggish, but there are better levels of business activity in the wholesale cash and carry, catalogue, online sales and e-commerce markets. Sanderson also has an established and good presence in the active and growing food manufacturing market where activity levels are high.
Sanderson is continuing to invest in its products and services as well as to innovate with new solutions, especially those deploying mobile technologies, in response to and in anticipation of customer demand. A major furniture manufacturer with retail outlets has implemented the Sanderson mobile sales solution across its stores nationwide. The solution runs on iPads and the touchscreens integrate with the Sanderson Unity Enterprise System, enabling orders to be configured exactly for the customer 'on the spot' and then instantly forwarded to the production department from the showroom, improving efficiency, delivery times and customer service. Order intake for mobile solutions is currently accounting for around 10% of all new business and this percentage is expected to increase further in the future.
Sanderson has a strong balance sheet, is debt-free and continues to convert profit to cash at around 100% with the cash balance at the end of March being £4.5million (31st March 2012: £3.5million). At the AGM, in February, an announcement was made that Sanderson will pay a 1.5p dividend for the coming year. This represents an increase of 25% from 'last year' and a doubling over the last two years. It is expected that the first payment will be a 0.65p interim dividend, payable in August 2013 (August 2012 interim dividend: 0.5p).
The strategy of the Sanderson Board is to achieve growth, both organically as well as by selective, complementary and low risk acquisitions which become earnings and value enhancing. A number of small opportunities continue to be considered. The Board is, however, mindful of the relatively low levels of business confidence and tough UK trading conditions and so continues to adopt a very cautious approach and intends to maintain a strong balance sheet. The strong balance sheet and robust business model coupled with a growing range of products, services and solutions provide the Sanderson Board and management with a good level of confidence of achieving market expectations for the current year to 30th September 2013.
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Sanderson Group: WH Ireland upgrades from outperform to buy with a target price of 57p.
dreamcatcher
- 05 Jun 2013 07:07
- 21 of 46
Interim Results
RNS
RNS Number : 3061G
Sanderson Group PLC
05 June 2013
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2013
"Further improved performance and growth following year of transition"
Sanderson Group plc ("Sanderson" or "the Group"), the software and IT services business specialising in the multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces Interim Results for the six month period ended 31 March 2013.
Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"Results for the six month trading period to 31 March 2013 show further improvements in revenues and operating profits. Whilst general UK trading conditions remain challenging, Sanderson has continued to generate cash strongly and to invest both in its products and services as well as in its sales and marketing capacity and capability, together producing an improved performance in the first half".
Highlights - Financial
§ Revenues from continuing operations increased to £6.37m (2012: £6.14m).
§ An increase in excess of 13% in operating profit from continuing operations amounting to £0.91m (2012: £0.80m).
§ Profit before tax from continuing operations of £0.85m (2012: £0.41m).
§ Basic earnings per share from continuing operations of 1.8p (2012: 0.4p).
§ Net cash at period-end increased to £4.50m (2012: £3.56m).
§ 30% increase in Interim Dividend to 0.65p per share (2012: 0.5p).
Highlights - Operational
§ Continued strong cash generation with net cash balance of £4.50m at period end, representing more than 10p per share.
§ Good trading momentum; order book of £1.59m at period end and growing.
§ Gross margins further improved to 87.9% (2012: 84.3%) reflecting delivery of more proprietary software and other 'owned' services.
§ Pre-contracted recurring revenues from continuing operations grew to £3.96m (2012: £3.80m) accounting for approximately 62% of total revenues.
§ 20% increase in multi-channel retail division operating profit to £0.61m (2012: £0.50m); projects during period for Aspinal of London, JoJo Maman Bébé and Axminster Tool Centre with two new customers gained.
§ Manufacturing division maintained operating profit performance at £0.30m (2012: £0.29m); projects during the period for Brookfarm, Anstey Wallpaper and Proctor Paper & Board.
§ Further £0.25m investment in sales and marketing capability.
§ Continued investment in proprietary solutions using mobile technologies generating high levels of interest and development activity.
On current trading and prospects, Mr Winn, added:
"The Board is very mindful of the relatively low levels of business confidence and of continuing challenging trading conditions within the UK and so continues to adopt a very cautious approach. The strong balance sheet and robust business model, coupled with a growing range of products, services and solutions and an improving order book, provide the Sanderson Board and management with a good level of confidence of achieving market expectations for the current year to 30 September 2013".
dreamcatcher
- 09 Aug 2013 19:57
- 22 of 46
A buy in this weeks IC - House broker Charles Stanley - We believe the shares remain compelling in the light of high levels of recurring revenue, strong cash generation and the firms grip on its pension deficit which it hopes to be cleared by 2017. All these attributes make Sanderson a highly attractive takeover target.
js8106455
- 09 Oct 2013 09:33
- 23 of 46
LISTEN: Sanderson Group (SND) - Placing and acquisition
Click here
dreamcatcher
- 25 Oct 2013 07:10
- 24 of 46
Pre Close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 3921R
Sanderson Group PLC
25 October 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25 October 2013
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"Strong Trading Momentum complemented by Increased Levels of Business from New Customers"
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'The Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces the following trading update ahead of the publication of its preliminary results for the year ended 30th September 2013, scheduled to be released on Tuesday, 26th November 2013.
The trading results for the year ended 30th September 2013 are in line with market expectations and will show Group revenues of approximately £13.8m (2012: £13.37m), an improved gross margin of 87% (2012: 83.6%) and operating profit in line with market expectations.
Sanderson has continued to invest in the further development of the Group's businesses which address the expanding multi-channel retail and ecommerce markets, as well as on selected niche markets within the manufacturing sector. Product investment has been concentrated on further extending the products and services which are based upon the Group's own proprietary solutions, especially those which enable warehouse and manufacturing automation, together with solutions designed for deployment on mobile devices, including smart phones and tablets. By supplying customers with more of the Group's own products and services, gross margins have continued to improve, rising to over 87% from 83.6% in 2012. Sanderson has also continued to expand its sales and marketing capabilities and as a result of its improved competitive market position, the value of contracts signed with new customers during the year has risen by 10% to over £1.6m (2012: £1.46m; 2011: £1.27m).
In order to augment the Group's organic growth, two complementary acquisitions have been completed within the past three months. The two acquisitions comprise of Catan Marketing Limited, providing ecommerce solutions under the PRIAM trading name, for a maximum consideration of £644,600, completed in August 2013 and, at the start of the new financial year, One iota Limited on 7th October 2013 for a maximum aggregate consideration of £5.43m.
Whilst general economic conditions have shown some slight improvement in 2013, the outlook continues to be uncertain and business confidence, although increasing, still appears quite fragile. The Group's strong order book, improved market position and the two recent acquisitions provide the Board with an expectation that Sanderson will achieve significant progress during the current financial year ending 30th September 2014.
dreamcatcher
- 26 Nov 2013 07:20
- 25 of 46
2013 Final Results
RNS
RNS Number : 9019T
Sanderson Group PLC
26 November 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26 November 2013
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2013
"Strong trading momentum maintained; complemented by increased levels of business from new customers"
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group' ), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces Preliminary Results for the financial year ended 30 September 2013.
Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"Against a challenging UK economic backdrop, the Group's trading results have produced increased revenue, gross margin and operating profit, together with a high level of pre-contracted recurring revenue. The value of the order book at the year end has provided a solid platform from which to make further progress in the current year. Sanderson has continued to generate cash, allowing the Board to maintain its progressive dividend policy and two acquisitions, completed either side of the year end, provide the Group with significant growth opportunities.
Highlights - Financial
§ Total revenue of £13.83 million (2012: £13.37 million).
§ Pre-contracted recurring revenue of £7.94 million (2012: £7.66 million) accounting for approximately 57.4% of total revenue (2012: 57.3%).
§ Increases in multi-channel retail division revenue and operating profits* to £7.23 million (2012: £7.17 million) and £1.28 million (2012: £1.21 million) respectively; increased business from new customers with trend towards bigger orders; five new customers gained.
§ Increase in manufacturing division revenue to £6.59 million (2012: £6.20 million)
§ Gross margins further improved to 87.6% (2012: 83.6%) reflecting increased delivery and installation of proprietary software and other 'owned' services.
§ Increase in operating profit* to £2.22 million (2012: £2.04 million).
§ Profit before tax from continuing operations of £1.94 million (2012: £1.48 million).
§ Adjusted, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, stated before items relating to acquisitions of 4.2 pence (2012: 3.6 pence)
§ Net cash at year end of £3.66 million (2012: £4.07 million; 2011: net debt of £6.72 million) after paying £500,000 initial cash consideration on the acquisition of Catan Marketing Limited.
§ Proposed final dividend per share of 0.85 pence (2012: 0.7 pence), making total for year of 1.5 pence per share (2012: 1.2 pence).
Highlights - Operational
§ Strong trading momentum maintained and complemented by increased levels of business from new customers;
§ Order book stood at £1.94 million at year end (2012: £1.89 million; 2011: £1.35 million).
§ Manufacturing division added nine new customers during the year and has a very strong order book.
§ Further investment in sales and marketing capability made.
§ Two acquisitions completed, one after the year end; Catan Marketing Limited acquired in August for up to £644,660 cash and One iota Limited acquired in October for up to £5.43 million.
§ Continued investment in proprietary solutions using mobile technologies complemented by recent acquisition of One iota Limited.
§ Successful Share Placing at 55 pence per share in October raised £3.50 million (before costs).
* stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs
On strategy, current trading and prospects, Mr. Winn, added:
"The Sanderson Board intends to pursue a growth strategy based upon a conservative financing policy with a strong balance sheet and cash in the bank at its core. The Group will continue to invest across all of its businesses, with particular emphasis on further developing a range of solutions for ecommerce as well as for the food and drink processing sector, while mobile commerce solutions are being developed across all of the Group's target markets.
"The general economic environment, though showing some signs of improvement, is still challenging and accordingly the Board continues to adopt a cautious approach. However, the strong order book, improved market position and the two recent acquisitions provide the Board with an expectation that Sanderson will achieve significant progress during the current financial year."
dreamcatcher
- 28 Feb 2014 07:12
- 26 of 46
AGM Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 1619B
Sanderson Group PLC
28 February 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 FEBRUARY 2014
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Annual General Meeting ('AGM') Statement
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, will hold its AGM in Coventry at 10.00 am today. At the AGM, Chairman, Christopher Winn, will make the following statement to shareholders:
"The Group has made a good start to the current financial year ending 30 September 2014 ('current year'). Order intake and the order book, measured on a 'like-for-like' basis, excluding acquisitions, are ahead of the comparative period and have been underpinned by a continued increase in the level of business from new customers. One iota, which was acquired just after the start of the current financial year on 7 October, has made a very positive start.
"The Sanderson business which addresses the food and drink processing market, is driving the growth of the Group's manufacturing division and its performance is more than offsetting continuing weakness in the Group's general manufacturing business. Food and drink processing represents one of the fastest growing sectors of UK manufacturing and Sanderson is well placed to continue growth in this sector, with an excellent product suite (which includes enhanced ingredient and raw material tracking ensuring traceability through the manufacturing process and supply chain) which is very ably supported by a team of experienced industry consultants. The Group also has a strong and growing presence in the online sales, ecommerce and catalogue sectors which are continuing to experience double digit growth rates, fuelled by the adoption of mobile solutions across all markets. This growth is more than offsetting a gradual decline in the Group's business which addresses the traditional mail order market. Catan Marketing, trading under the name of Priam, which was acquired in August 2013, has made a steady start and we are currently consolidating the business into our main Coventry centre. This move will enable Priam to operate more efficiently and ensure a lower cost base from the start of the next financial year.
"Sanderson continues to develop a robust business model with over half of Group sales being derived from pre-contracted recurring revenues, the margin from which covers over two-thirds of business overheads. Solutions delivered by the Group offer customers a strong ROI ('Return on Investment') opportunity, driven by a constantly evolving and continuously developing suite of product solutions. Businesses generally invest in Sanderson solutions to secure tangible business benefits and to achieve cost savings within a relatively short time frame, often within the first twelve months. One new customer recently reported a threefold 'ROI' from his Sanderson system within the first year! Product development, especially in the area of mobile solutions across the Group's businesses is at a very high level but, in line with the Board's cautious and conservative approach, it is planned that most of these development costs will continue to be expensed as they are incurred.
"The Board's strategy is to achieve organic growth, supplemented by selective acquisitions which are expected to become earnings and value enhancing. In the short term, the priority will be to successfully integrate the Priam and especially the One iota acquisitions into the Group, to maximise the growth opportunities in terms of earnings and revenues which they present.
"Business confidence is reportedly increasing within the UK and whilst we have experienced some improvement in business sentiment, recent experience is that small and medium sized businesses have moved to being 'cautiously optimistic' and this is reflected in the fact that to date capital spending has been relatively subdued. Many customers remain cautious in making investment decisions and generally, sales cycles for our solutions are still prolonged and there are often delays towards the end of the sales cycle. Whilst the Board continues to be cautious in its approach to risk, the Group does have a very cash generative business model which supports and underpins the commitment to maintain its progressive dividend policy.
"A strong balance sheet, a robust business model and an improved market position provide the Board with a good level of confidence that the Group will make further significant progress in the current year".
dreamcatcher
- 23 Apr 2014 07:06
- 27 of 46
Pre-Close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 2731F
Sanderson Group PLC
23 April 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2014
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
Positive trading performance; strong order intake; good start by both recent acquisitions;
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'The Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces the following trading update ahead of the publication of its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2014. The interim results are scheduled for release on Monday 9 June, 2014.
For the six month period to 31 March 2014 ('the period'), the trading results will show revenue growing by over 20% to just over £7.90 million, compared with £6.37 million for the same period last year ('last year'). Underlying organic revenue growth measured on a 'like-for-like' basis (before the effect of acquisitions) was over 4%. During the period, pre-contracted recurring revenues rose to £4.41 million (last year: £3.96 million) representing more than 55% of total revenues. At the end of the period, the Group had a large order book in excess of £2.46 million (last year: £1.58 million), reflecting strong sales order intake from existing and new customers.
Gross margin represented 87% of total revenues, reflecting a sales mix which includes a higher level of Sanderson owned proprietary products and services. During the period, the profit from operating activities (before adjustments for acquisition-related intangibles, acquisition related costs and share-based payment charges) rose by over 20% to £1.20 million (last year: £988,000).
Sanderson acquired Catan Marketing Limited, which provides ecommerce solutions under the 'Priam' trading name in August 2013 and it made a positive contribution during the period. The Group also acquired One iota Limited ('One iota'), a leading provider of cloud-based multi-channel retail solutions in October 2013 and it has made a good start as part of Sanderson. One iota has helped to expand Group sales into the areas of mobile enabled online sales, ecommerce and catalogue sectors ('mobile and ecommerce'). Overall, the Group sales order intake grew by over 50% in the period compared with last year. Orders for 'mobile and ecommerce' continued to grow, accounting for over 30% of total order intake during the period.
Sanderson has a strong balance sheet and will report a cash balance at the end of the period of just over £5 million (31 March 2013: £4.50 million). The Group's strong cash generative business model enables the Board to continue with the progressive dividend policy.
The Board remains cautious in its approach to risk but has detected some improvement in business sentiment from its customers. A strong order intake in the first half year has resulted in a large order book most of which is scheduled for delivery in the second half year, providing a good level of confidence that the Group will continue to make further significant progress in the current year ending 30 September 2014.
dreamcatcher
- 23 Oct 2014 07:11
- 28 of 46
Pre-close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 0875V
Sanderson Group PLC
23 October 2014
EMBARGOED 23 October 2014
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"On-target results with growing revenue derived both from mobile applications as well as new customers;
One iota gains biggest order to date worth £400,000"
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces the following trading update ahead of the announcement of its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2014, scheduled to be released on Tuesday, 25 November 2014.
The trading results for the year ended 30 September 2014 are in line with market expectations and will show Group revenue in excess of £16 million (2013: £13.80 million) and adjusted operating profit (stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs) growing by over 20% to now exceed £2.7 million (2013: £2.22 million). The balance sheet remains strong with a cash balance of just over £6 million at year-end (31 March 2014: £5.07 million; 30 September 2013: £3.66 million).
Sanderson continues to invest in its product and service offerings, which provide customers with sustainable and tangible business benefits often visible within a short timeframe. Order intake has risen by over 10% (on a 'like-for-like' basis) and the value of contracts signed with new customers during the year has risen by more than 15% to £1.9 million (2013: £1.60 million; 2012: £1.46 million). The order book at year-end, of £2.4 million, was 20% higher than at the previous year ended 30 September 2013. The continuous development of the Group's own proprietary products and services has enabled further growth especially in the areas of warehouse automation and solutions which are deployed on mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets.
One iota, which was acquired in October 2013 has performed very well. One iota is focused on cloud-based, multi-channel solutions accessed via mobile, tablet and in-store devices. The management team has continued to drive growth and One iota has more than doubled revenue and profit when compared to its last full financial year, prior to acquisition. In September, following a successful pilot implementation, One iota secured its largest order to date, worth over £400,000. The order is expected to be installed, delivered and deployed over the course of the current financial year ending 30 September 2015.
Amongst small and medium-sized businesses ('SMEs'), we believe that, to date, business sentiment has continued to show some improvement but prospective and existing customers remain cautious in their outlook. The Board is maintaining its progressive dividend policy and a healthy balance sheet. The Group's strong order book provides the Board with a reasonable level of confidence, at this early stage of the new financial year ending 30 September 2015, that the Group will make further progress.
dreamcatcher
- 27 Oct 2014 17:37
- 29 of 46
Pre-close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 0875V
Sanderson Group PLC
23 October 2014
EMBARGOED 23 October 2014
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"On-target results with growing revenue derived both from mobile applications as well as new customers;
One iota gains biggest order to date worth £400,000"
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces the following trading update ahead of the announcement of its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2014, scheduled to be released on Tuesday, 25 November 2014.
The trading results for the year ended 30 September 2014 are in line with market expectations and will show Group revenue in excess of £16 million (2013: £13.80 million) and adjusted operating profit (stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs) growing by over 20% to now exceed £2.7 million (2013: £2.22 million). The balance sheet remains strong with a cash balance of just over £6 million at year-end (31 March 2014: £5.07 million; 30 September 2013: £3.66 million).
Sanderson continues to invest in its product and service offerings, which provide customers with sustainable and tangible business benefits often visible within a short timeframe. Order intake has risen by over 10% (on a 'like-for-like' basis) and the value of contracts signed with new customers during the year has risen by more than 15% to £1.9 million (2013: £1.60 million; 2012: £1.46 million). The order book at year-end, of £2.4 million, was 20% higher than at the previous year ended 30 September 2013. The continuous development of the Group's own proprietary products and services has enabled further growth especially in the areas of warehouse automation and solutions which are deployed on mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets.
One iota, which was acquired in October 2013 has performed very well. One iota is focused on cloud-based, multi-channel solutions accessed via mobile, tablet and in-store devices. The management team has continued to drive growth and One iota has more than doubled revenue and profit when compared to its last full financial year, prior to acquisition. In September, following a successful pilot implementation, One iota secured its largest order to date, worth over £400,000. The order is expected to be installed, delivered and deployed over the course of the current financial year ending 30 September 2015.
Amongst small and medium-sized businesses ('SMEs'), we believe that, to date, business sentiment has continued to show some improvement but prospective and existing customers remain cautious in their outlook. The Board is maintaining its progressive dividend policy and a healthy balance sheet. The Group's strong order book provides the Board with a reasonable level of confidence, at this early stage of the new financial year ending 30 September 2015, that the Group will make further progress.