The Mainstream Sector reported an underlying operating profit of £305m in 2009, an improvement of £28m (2008: £277m). This represents 65% of Group underlying operating profit before central costs (2008: 65%).
| Mainstream | 2009 | 2008 | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying operating profit (£m) | |||
| Northern Region | 206 | 178 | +16% |
| Central Europe | 66 | 62 | +6% |
| Western Europe | 33 | 37 | -11% |
| Total | 305 | 277 | +10% |
| Underlying operating margin (%) | |||
| Northern Region | 4.9% | 4.1% | +80bps |
| Central Europe | 1.4% | 1.3% | +10bps |
| Western Europe | 1.2% | 1.4% | -20bps |
| Total | 2.6% | 2.3% | +30bps |