Azlan shakes off technology blues

AZLAN'S small-business customers are helping it shake off tech-sector blues. The computer networking firm today unveiled a sharp rise in half-year profits. Chief executive Peter Bertram intends to take out costs in its training division after sales grew by only 1% to £21.8m. The core networking operation remains solid.

Pre-tax profits for the half-year to 30 September rose 48% to £8m on sales ahead 14% to £298.3m.

Azlan's broker, UBS Warburg, maintains its full year profit forecasts at £18m on sales of £632m.