Small caps: Argos/Rockhopper, Kedco, STV...

Argos Resources and Rockhopper Exploration have both signed contracts for a seismic survey of their prospect in the Falklands Basin with Polarcus, the marine geophysical company.The oil and gas exploration groups will acquire a 3D seismic survey over their respective locations, as well as adjacent areas, available by January. Shares in Kedco jumped 16.7% today as the group almost halved its pre-tax losses following its financial closure on a number of projects. Loss before taxation dropped from €6.2m in 2009 to €3.2m for the year ended 30 June. Operating losses reduced to €2.4m from €5.5m while revenues jumped by over a third to €9m from €5.9m previously.The group's biomass wood gasification plant in Northern Ireland is expected to generate £2m per year before deductions. The group has also received planning permission on another plant in North London, capable of generating £9m per year after deductions once complete.Scotland's digital media company STV met expectations for its third quarter with airtime revenues up 10%. The three month period ended 21 October also saw the launch of its network of hyper local websites, named STV Local, expected to cover around 25% of the Scottish population by the end of next quarter.STV CEO Rob Woodward said, "the improved market conditions evident during the first half of the year have continued to prevail and trading in the third quarter reflects the general improvement in the airtime market and the continuing delivery of our digital strategy." Shares in Vectura rose by 15.5% today after the group announced that its two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease products are expected to be launched between 2012 and 2013. The group and its co-development partner Sosei will receive up to $375m for achieving clinical, regulatory and commercialisation targets, as well as royalties on product sales.Since its half-year, recruitment consultant Impellam has continued to see improved operating performance consistent with the trends experienced during the first half of the year. Net debt stands at £28.5m at 1 October 2010.