SGB ups profits

SERVICES GROUP SGB, which was floated in June last year, increased profits before tax by 30 per cent to pounds 8.6m in the first half of 1998 on a turnover of pounds 134.7m, an increase of just 2 per cent. Capital expenditure rose by 60 per cent to pounds 13m.

The UK, North America and Middle East are expected to continue to provide a demand for quality work and the board is confident that prospects are good. An interim dividend of 2.9p is being paid for the first time.