Westminster Group PLC (LON:WSG) said easing Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions, new contracts and a strong pipeline can help the global security and managed services group meet expectations this year at the revenue and pre-tax profit level.
In a statement ahead of its AGM, chief executive Peter Fowler said the pandemic uncertainty had delayed the signing and delivery of some projects but there were “encouraging signs that travel restrictions may, at last, be beginning to ease in a number of regions and that some of our delayed projects may once again begin to move forward.”
In particular, Fowler said a security contract at the Palace of Westminster has now started after a COVID-19 delay and was going well.
The group also recently won contracts to provide security at five airports in the Democratic Republic of Congo and container screening services at a port in West Africa.
In existing operations, West African Airport managed services operations are running ahead of expectations (currently 62% of pre-COVID levels) although a full recovery to pre-COVID levels is not expected until 2022.
The port managed services operations in Ghana have not been materially affected by COVID-19 and continue to perform well with a 4th berth due later in 2021.
In Saudi Arabia, pandemic restrictions are also easing and Westminster is now finalising arrangements with joint venture partner Hazar International.
Fowler added: "We continue to experience healthy enquiry levels and so far in 2021 have delivered products and services to over 40 countries around the world and we are beginning to see encouraging signs of recovery in our guarding and training businesses with recent new contract awards.”