Crime scares boost Norbain

PUBLICITY about the use of closed-circuit television to fight crime, vandalism and terrorism lies behind a doubling of profits at Norbain Electronics, writes Topaz Amoore.

John Nicol, chairman, said an increasing number of customers were ordering more expensive new systems, or upgrading older systems.

'Users are continuing to demand better resolution pictures with higher quality, more complex equipment.' He said CCTV was being viewed less as a deterrent than as a sophisticated and practical tool.

The shares, which were around 30p this time last year, jumped 19p to 174p as the USM-quoted company brought in pre-tax profits of pounds 1m and announced a final dividend of 1.5p, up from 1p last time.

Turnover was up 71 per cent to pounds 21.8m in the year to 30 April. Sales to Continental Europe were particularly healthy, Norbain said, with turnover doubling.