News

Ballot counting firm DRS Data said results for the first half of 2006 are better than the same period last year with an increase in turnover and a return to profitability.

Pre-tax profit for six months to June came at £336,000 compared with the £277,000 loss same time last year. The group said strong international sales as well as election projects in the UK increased turnover by 42% to £8.95m.

Building products distributor Heywood Williams has agreed to acquire the Carlisle Brass Group, which owns UK based designer Carlisle Brass and a holding company for manufacturing business APC China, for up to £48m.

Dermasalve shares moved ahead after the skin moisturiser specialist announced a new gel product, which tested positive to killing avian H5N1 (Bird Flu) virus 30 seconds after a single application.

Tailored in-store media provide Immedia announced a new 3 year contract with Ikea, following the succesful launch and roll-out of the radio station 'IKEA Live' in 2005.

Star Energy said it is making good progress towards bringing an additional 80-90 bcf of gas storage to the UK but added that its efforts are slowed somewhat by the UK's planning and permitting regimes.

For the six months to June, the group swung into pre-tax profits of £8.2m versus losses of £400,000 last time on turnover that soared to £29.2m against £8m previously.

Independent Resources said it has taken a key step towards appraisal and development of a major gas storage project near Bologna in northern Italy.

Lombard Medical Technology posted a 117% increase in first half revenue to £180,000, exceeding sales in whole of 2005 (£169,000). Pre-tax losses increased to £5.3m compared with £4.2m due to higher development and admin costs.

Software platforms provider Velti posted revenues that grew 117% to €4.04m with pre-tax profits surging 182% to €710,000.