Small caps round-up: Hampson Industries, Bezant, Tangent Comms...

Aerospace and engineering group Hampson Industries reported a 32% slump in first half profit before tax to £11m on revenue down 12% to £97m."Although the immediate outlook for our core markets remains uncertain, present customer indications and the scale of new work in the pipeline all point to a gradual increase in the release of new orders in the months ahead," said chairman Chris Geoghegan."Tooling order books have increased in September and October and with leading indicators now generally more encouraging, we are cautiously optimistic of seeing further order strengthening over the second half."Gold and copper explorer Bezant lost £1.77m in the year ended 30 June 2009 due to its exploration activities in the Philippines and Tanzania.Executive chairman Gerry Nealon says Bezant's flagship Mankayan project in the Philippines has the potential to become a world class mine. News on future plans are expected early next yearPre-tax profit fell to £189,000 at Tangent Communications in the six months to 31 August, down from £500,000 in 2008, although the direct marketing firm says the outlook for the rest of the year is in line with management's expectations."The increased cost base from our recent acquisitions had a negative impact on the overall profitability, although we expect this investment in skills to deliver future growth in higher margin parts of the business," said the group.Stem cell developer ReNeuron narrowed losses from £3m to £2m in the year to September and said it has secured a two-year equity funding facility up to £5m from its joint broker, Matrix Corporate Capital.The AIM-listed firm said it remains confident of meeting the remaining requirements for its pioneering ReN001 therapy for stroke to allow initiation of a first-in-man clinical trial early next year.Alexon Group, the ladies clothing retailer, reports total sales for the 16 weeks to 21 November dropped 14% on a like for like basis.The firm blamed a 16.9% slump in sales for the first 8 weeks of the period on its decision to make fewer summer reductions, although they fell just 8.7% in the final 8 weeks. "Looking ahead, the board anticipates that the current price competitive environment will continue through the critical Christmas trading period and into the January sales. This is likely to adversely affect margins but the company's financial position remains secure," it said.