Company News in Brief

Trace Computers, the software and hardware consultancy, halved pre-tax profits from pounds 221,000 to pounds 105,000 in the six months to 30 November. Interim dividend is maintained at 0.55p.

Bennett and Fountain Group, the electrical and domestic appliance wholesaler, incurred pounds 1.6m pre-tax loss (profit pounds 123,000) in the six months to 31 December. No dividend.

Year ended 31 December

Haden Maclellan Holdings, which makes automated manufacturing systems, increased pre- tax profits to pounds 4.3m ( pounds 3.7m), despite a 16 per cent decline in turnover to pounds 294.2m. Final dividend is 1p, making 2p (8p).

Arcolectric, the electrical and electronic components maker, fell to pounds 105,000 ( pounds 318,000) pre-tax profit. Final dividend is 0.555p, making 1.11p (same).

Cairn Energy, the oil and gas exploration company, reversed pounds 12.3m taxable losses to produce pre-tax profits of pounds 818,000. No dividend.

Global Group, meat wholesaler, shipping services and property dealer, returned lower pre-tax profits of pounds 1.4m ( pounds 1.7m). Final dividend is 0.3p, making 0.5p (same).

Hornby Group, which makes and markets products for the toy and leisure industries, fell to pounds 1.45m ( pounds 2.1m) pre-tax profit. Total dividend is held at 9p.

Isle Of Man Steam Packet Company, the passenger and freight ferry operator, returned pre-tax profits of pounds 3.3m ( pounds 4.1m). Final dividend is 7p, making 10p (same).

Fired Earth Tiles, the terracotta, floor and wall tiles group, dropped to pounds 23,000 ( pounds 302,000) pre-tax profit. No dividend.