Company News in Brief

Frank G Gates, the motor trade distributor, fell to pounds 216,000 (pounds 692,000) pre-tax profit in the half-year to 30 June. Gates said the decline in turnover from pounds 29.3m to pounds 25.8m was due to a fall in sale of new vehicles. Interest payments over the period also rose sharply, from pounds 49,000 to pounds 255,000. No dividend.

Mid-States, the motor parts wholesaler and retailer, reported a fall in pre-tax profits from pounds 2.3m to pounds 1.9m in the half-year to 30 June. Sales improved slightly from pounds 23.8m to pounds 25m, but trading profits eased from pounds 2.7m to pounds 2.3m. Interim dividend is held at 1.75p.

S Lyles, maker of carpet yarn, lifted pre-tax profits to pounds 1.14m (pounds 813,000) in the year to 30 June. Despite a fall in total UK and export sales to pounds 16.7m (pounds 17.1m), trading profits were ahead at pounds 899,000 (pounds 893,000). Final dividend of 3.35p makes 4.9p (4.45p).

Paramount, which is engaged in the brewing industry through control of licensed premises, advanced to pounds 403,000 (pounds 355,000) pre-tax profit, helped by a 38 per cent rise in turnover from pounds 5.5m to pounds 7.6m in the year to 31 May. Total dividend is 0.1p.

Albrighton, provider of products and services to the construction industry, incurred a pounds 1.2m pre-tax loss in the year to 31 March.