Company News in Brief

South Staffordshire Water Hldgs, one of the smallest water supply companies in the country, increased pre- tax profits from pounds 8.7m to pounds 10.3m for the year to 31 March, well above expectations. Turnover rose 8 per cent to pounds 51.7m ( pounds 48.3m). Despite higher profits, increases in charges to cutomers were kept below the maximum allowed. Supply disconnections were also halved. This month it set up a charitable trust fund to assist customers who fall behind on their payments rather than cutting them off. Earnings per share improved to 159p (148p). Final dividend is 32p, making 47p (40.2p).

Radio Clyde Holdings, the sound broadcasting and entertainment services group, recorded a significant rise in pre-tax profits from pounds 843,000 to pounds 1.5m in the six months to 31 March on higher turnover of pounds 7.1m ( pounds 6.6m). Earnings per share improved sharply to 12p (5.4p). The interim dividend was raised to 3.5p (3.25p).