Return of Northern Bear's finance head

Northern Bear, the Aim-listed support services minnow, is expected to announce this week that former finance director Steve Roberts will return to the role.

Mr Roberts previously held the post when the group, which runs building services companies that employ more than 500 people, was floated in 2006. He will replace David Jay, who will remain on the board.

This week's trading update is expected to announce a number of recent contract wins, totalling around £6m. In the 12 months to 31 March, the County Durham-based group's revenue was £41.8m, 30 per cent up on the previous year. Pre-tax profit grew by 27 per cent to £2.9m. Shares closed at 36p on Friday, down 0.5p on start of trading.