Cello back in profit

Market research and consulting group Cello returned to the black in the half year and it remains confident for the full year."We are now seeing a pick up from our clients in the private sector across a range of industries and we are benefiting from our strong long term relationships and international research capabilities, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector," said chief executive Mark Scott. The group reported a pre-tax profit of £2.6m for the six month period to 30 June 2010 compared to a loss of £3.8m the year before. Revenue increased to £61.5m from £55.4m before. 2010 has seen a solid recovery of existing client activity following the down turn in 2009, Scott added. The group is confident it will enter 2011 in 'robust financial health.'"There has also been a strong flow of new business from existing clients and new client wins which have outweighed weakness in public sector income," Cello explained.The interim dividend has been lifted 5% to 0.525p.