Air travel venture sees sales rise but profits fall
Ellesmere Port airline ticketing agency Lime Management sees profits fall and a 25% reduction in its workforce despite revenues rising 14% to £187m. Tony McDonough reports
Specialist airline ticketing agency Lime Management is reporting a sharp fall in annual pre-tax profits following a change to its “sales mix”.
Based in Ellesmere Port, Lime provides airline tickets for tour operators and travel agents acting as a middle man between its customers and major airlines, in particular British Airways.
It specialises in ‘nett airfares” which are heavily discounted, confidential, and wholesale airfares provided by airlines directly to travel agents, consolidators, or tour operators, rather than the general public.
Lime can also arrange group bookings with airlines for companies sending teams to events such as exhibitions and conferences.
In its annual accounts for the 12 months to September 30, 2025, posted on Companies House, Lime said revenues had risen 14% to £187m. However, pre-tax profits fell from £2.5m in the previous year to just under £910,000. The company also reduced headcount from 101 to 76.
In the accounts, owner and director Michael Edwards wrote: “The reduction in gross profit has been driven by a change in sales mix from the prior year resulting in less revenue from the higher margin areas of the business.”
He added: “The excellent relationships the company holds with their airline partners has resulted in additional revenue streams, some of which provided income in this financial year and others that are currently in development and will provide further growth over the next financial year.
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“The directors and senior management team continue to adapt and exploit opportunities as they arise, seeking to strengthen the business in both immediate and long-term.”
In summer 2025 Lime was one of the number of businesses in and around Liverpool city region to make the ‘Fastest 50’ list. This is compiled by law firm Ward Hadaway, highlighting the most successful and dynamic companies across the North West.