"Earnings have continued to grow consistently and the growth is coming from all three divisions. Medical and Industrial made good progress, regaining their former momentum. Aerospace civil business is slowing down, but our three times larger defence business has secured the programmes that ensure future growth. And we have stepped up the acquisitions, spending nearly £250m so far this year in areas of great opportunity. Overall, I am confident we can maintain this pace of growth in the period ahead."

Keith Butler-Wheelhouse Chief Executive