Company News in Brief

Half-year to 30 June

Bilton Technology, the property developer and civil engineer, lifted pre-tax profits to pounds 9m ( pounds 8.9m). Rental income edged up to pounds 12.2m ( pounds 12.1m). Earnings per share are 14.1p (13.9p). Dividend is held at 5.67p.

BLP Group, which makes laminates and furniture edge-banding in the UK and North American markets, has increased pre-tax profits from pounds 11,000 to pounds 194,000 on improved sales of pounds 13.5m ( pounds 11.8m). The company said a more robust North American market and low interest rates helped trading, but suppliers continued to hold minimum stock levels. Loss per share is cut to 1.1p (2.2p). No dividend.

Six months to 31 August

North British Canadian Inv Co is to maintain the dividend payout at 0.94p. Net asset value per share grew 43 per cent to 137.1p (95.9p).

Jove Investment Trust's net asset value per capital share grew from 38.38p to 52.74p, while income shares remained unchanged at 51.84p. Interim dividend is 2.9p.