Company News in Brief

Half year to 30 June

Lionheart, the mini-conglomerate, saw profit contributions from its paintbrush division squeezed from pounds 1.1m to pounds 150,000, affected by the price wars between DIY retailers. However, acquisitions ensured group pre-tax profits rose from pounds 768,000 to pounds 1.1m. Interim dividend is 0.2p, its first in three years.

Beauford, the machine tools and ceramic products manufacturer, incurred a pounds 218,000 pre-tax loss (loss pounds 240,000). No dividend.

Epwin Group, which makes uPVC windows, climbed to pounds 1.3m (pounds 1.2m) pre-tax profit. Interim dividend is held at 2.1p.

Ingham, the textiles company, boosted pre-tax profits to pounds 135,000 (pounds 26,000). Dividend is 1.5p (1p).

TR High Income Trust is paying a second interim dividend of 1.4p, making 2p. Net asset value per share is higher at 101.1p (96.3p).

Others

English & Caledonian Investment lifted pre-tax profits to pounds 325,000 (pounds 179,000) in the year to 30 June. Final dividend rose to 2.5p (2.15p). Net asset value per share is 181.8p (193.4p).