Datong warns over first half results

Spy gadgets firm Datong has reiterated that first half year results are likely to be “materially below” last year, but said its sales order book is strong and the group should deliver growth for the full year.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Feb 2012, 06:00 BST

The Leeds-based group, which employs 95 people, said its cost base has been restructured and it should cut costs by £500,000 a year.

At the AGM yesterday, Mark Cook, chief executive, said: “While we’ve started to see encouraging movements in order intake, it is still materially below management expectations in both the Americas and European territories.”

He added: “Overall, as previously indicated, the board therefore expects the financial result for the first half year to be materially below last year. The sales order book and pipeline, however, remains strong and the group remains confident in its ability to deliver growth for the full year.”

He said the group’s “strategy of customer diversification, its focus on investment in technology and new product development” will continue to drive the business forward.

Leeds AGM