Scapa ahead on sales and earnings

TECHNICAL tapes group Scapa said interim sales are up and margins continue to improve.

In a trading update for the six months to September 30 the Ashton-under-Lyne company said operating profits are also ahead of the same period last year.

“The operating profit margin continues to improve and we remain net cash positive with strong cash flow increasing net cash to £8.5m,” said the company.

WEBTEC, the US Healthcare acquisition made towards the end of last year, has also performed well and made a “positive contribution” to the group’s figures.

It added: “Current trading remains in line with expectations against the backdrop of continuing macro economic uncertainty.”

The group expects to announce its interim results on November 27.