MR Ronald Guilford and Mr David Dillon who resigned as directors of Heiton Holdings received compensation of £80,000 between them for loss of office, according to the group's annual report. There is no split of the breakdown.

Chief executive, Mr Richard Hewat, in his annual review to shareholders, said the period to the year 2000 is expected to deliver strong investment centred on EU funded infrastructure and environmental projects, commercial development and leisure industry projects. This gives him confidence that "substantial progress" will be achieved this year.

Heiton increased its pre tax profit from £4.0 million to £6.9 million in the year ended April 30th 1996.