For the five week period to 4 January, Luminar reports that trading was in line with expectations with an improvement in margins. The benefits of the investment programme have started to come through, with the units that have received investment, improving like for like sales by 25%.  Total Group like for like sales declined 3%.

In particular, The Chicago Rock Cafe estate has responded strongly to increased spend on refurbishment: like for like sales declined marginally by 1% during the period compared with the 10% decline reported for the half year.

Our plans for our branded units are progressing well.  We are now operating all four brands with pilot units now open for Life and Lava / Ignite.

Tim Roberts has been appointed to manage the newly create Unbranded Dancing Division effective from 1 March 2004.  Tim is currently responsible for managing our largest Dancing Division and has over 20 years of experience of running unbranded nightclubs and bars.

The Group has been monitoring opportunities that may arise from the anticipated deregulation of gaming in the UK.  Luminar is investigating the potential of some of its high street square footage for conversion to gaming and is in advance negotiations to form a joint venture to exploit this opportunity.  This joint venture is expected to be largely self financing and Luminar does not anticipate significant new capital commitment to this area in the short term