Seafield, the Irish-quoted transport company based in Britain, has increased its pre-tax profit by 24 per cent to £402,000 (€609,000) from £325,000 sterling (€492,000) in the six months to June 30th, 1999, writes Bill Murdoch.

Chairman, Mr Jonathan Glanz, said the figures reflected a "solid performance throughout the group, despite the continuing competitive pressures that are an ever-present part of business life".

The better results could lead to the resumption of a dividend "at the appropriate level" at the end of the year. He expressed confidence that the group was now on a firmer footing. "I look forward to the second half of 1999 with some confidence and considerable enthusiasm," said Mr Glanz. The latest results show a marginal rise in sales to £5,293,000 from £5,223,000. Earnings per share grew to 0.6p from 0.5p. Net debt rose to £5,543,000 from £4,651,000. Gearing amounts to 52 per cent.