Market Report: Taking Stock

Celsis International, the hygiene kits group, fell 7.5p to 70.5p, lowest since 1994. Bear raider Simon Cawkwell, the so called Evil Knevil, has let it be known he has taken a short position in the shares. He says they are worth 40p.

But Celsis came out fighting. In November it claimed it was on track to make profits in its second half year which ends next month. Chairman Jack Rowell said: "We are doing nothing out of step in our drive towards the end of the financial period".

Tadpole Technology rose 7.5p to 22p. Stockbroker Colin Blackbourn has made a quick turn. On Monday it was announced he picked up 3.1 per cent, probably at around 10 pence.

DW Hankinson, former chief of housebuilder Fairbriar, sold his 8.83 per cent stake at the market price, 32p.