Earnings hoist at Howard

Howard Holdings, the property developer, plant hirer and joinery specialist, hoisted pre-tax profits up from £37,000 to £104,000 in the six months to 31 October.

In spite of an overall drop in turnover from £3m to £2.7m. income from residential property rental remained a good contributor to profits. Earnings per share jumped to 0.4p (0.14p). No dividend.