News

Marketing software provider Alterian said first quarter revenues were in line with management's expectations, increasing by approximately 29% compared to the prior year.

The group said its investment programme in channel development and products is expected to deliver continuing revenue growth in the current financial year.

Mobile phone billing software group eServGlobal announced a dividend of A3 cents per share for the year ended 30 June, an increase of 50% over last year. "This reflects the strong growth in our revenue, profit and cash balance in 2008 and our confidence in continuing growth in 2009," said executive chairman Ian Buddery.

Shares in Tangent Communications plummeted after the direct marketing company said it is preparing for a further decline in the residential property market, in which case profits will be below current expectations. The group said revenue from estate agent particulars has fallen by 22% in the first four months.

Synergy Healthcare's trading in the current year has started well and the business is performing in line with management's expectations. Sales in the first quarter were up 29.9% to £66.2m (£50.9m) and up 14.7% excluding the acquisition of Vernon Carus.

Real estate investment manager Speymill Group was down after it said pre-tax profitability for the current year could be reduced by between 30% and 35% due to problems at its construction and refurbishment business Speymill Contracts.
Local Radio Company said according to second quarter Rajar figures it now has 788,000 listeners per week, compared to 795,000 in the previous quarter. Total listening hours in the quarter rose to 6.77m compared to 6.59m in the first quarter of 2008.