Profit boost for IT group Sanderson

The firm, which provides software solutions and services to customers in retail and manufacturing, made a pre-tax profit of 34,000 for the six months to March 31 compared to a 2.1m loss for the same period the previous year.

Revenue inched up to 13.3m compared to 13m for the corresponding period last year.

Christopher Winn, the chairman, said: "The group has built up an improved level of business momentum since the late summer of 2009.

"However, we are mindful that the general economy is still sluggish and moving only slowly out of recession."

Many of Sanderson's customers still face tough trading conditions, although the firm was confident, based on its order book, that it would achieve "good" full year results.

Sanderson has cut operating costs and improved its market position, Mr Winn added.

"The improved business momentum, experienced from the late summer of 2009 has continued into the current year and increased order intake has resulted in a larger order book at 31 March 2010," he said.

"We expect the benefit of this increased order intake to be reflected in the result for the second half year, during which many of the projects are scheduled for implementation and delivery.

Cash generated from operations in the six months to 31 March amounted to 1.8m, up from 1.5m.