The turnover for the six-month period to 30 September 2000 was GBP32m. The turnover for the quarter to 31 December of GBP22.1m compares to GBP21.5m for the three-months to 30 September 2000.
Our negative earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for the nine-month period was GBP48.1m. This compares to GBP15.2m for the nine months to 31 December 1999. The three-month negative earnings of GBP20.4m compares to GBP14.9m for the quarter ended 30 September 2000 and reflects our continuing investment in network roll out and the costs associated with the introduction of the ‘atlantic’ brand across all markets during the quarter. As previously reported, we have taken significant steps to restructure our operating costs in line with our SME strategy.
The average revenues achieved from our customer base continue to be stable, particularly in the important SME area. For the nine-months to 31 December, the average revenue per month from our directly connected business customers in the United Kingdom amounted to GBP87.06. This compares with the six-month average of GBP87.36. Although we are seeking to downscale our residential business, the average revenues from our directly connected residential base for the nine-months to 31 December continued to hold up and averaged GBP36.84 per month, compared to GBP35.81 per month for the six-months to 30 September. Our single cable TV operation in Aberdeen continues its expected decrease in customer numbers. The customer base at 31 December 2000 was 14,860 compared to 14,944 customers at 30 September 2000. The revenue per customer per month averaged over the nine-month period to 31 December 2000 was GBP25.94 compared to GBP27.17 for the six-month period.
Over the three-months to 31 December, the Group has absorbed GBP44.7m of cash of which GBP28.4m was absorbed in capital expenditure and financial investment.
As at 31 December 2000 the Group had GBP168 million of cash and GBP25 million of investments on the balance sheet. The investments, together with GBP13 million of cash are in escrow for interest on the high-yield bonds. The cash and investments in escrow cover three half-yearly interest payments on the bonds.
