Company News in Brief

Readicut, the carpets to engineering group, saw profits in the year to 31 March rise 13 per cent to pounds 17m, struck on turnover up almost pounds 4m to pounds 238m. The profit excluded exceptionals of pounds 4m for disposals of two operations.

Six months to 31 March

Fairline Boats, the boat builder, increased pre-tax profits from pounds 161,000 to pounds 350,000, helped by the successful launch of new models over the last year. Earnings per share are 6.74p (3p). Total dividend is 5p (3.575p).

Hozelock, the garden equipment maker, more than doubled pre-tax profits from pounds 967,000 to pounds 2m. Earnings per share rose to 5.3p (2.6p). Dividend is 2.3p.

Metro Radio, which operates radio franchises in the North- east and Yorkshire, boosted pre-tax profits from pounds 797,000 to pounds 1.65m. Earnings per share are 6.48p (3.13p). Dividend is 2.25p (1.5p).