Laser-Scan Holdings Plc, the Cambridge-based specialist in graphical information systems and high-resolution reprographics saw its profits continue to improve from what deputy chairman Peter Woodsford admits was a whacking loss of UKP408,000 for the first half last year. The company actually made a small profit for the whole of last year, following a strong second half, due in part to a large order from the Mexican government to improve its mapping facilities. Revenue from this order continued to flow in during the first half of 1993. Other significant shipments were also made to the UK Forestry Commission, Ordnance Survey and George Philip, a division of Reed International. The large loss for the first half of last year was down to general lack-lustre trading and government cutbacks – the public sector accounts for much of Laser-Scan’s Geographic Information Systems business, and this is compounded by the fact that most of its reprographics business is tied up in the printing of banknotes when the government is trying to control the money supply and the economy is in recession, it prints fewer banknotes. To counter this, the company is broadening its offerings and has developed various vertical Geographic applications. One such is used to help cellular telecommunications operators site their transmitters for the best coverage. Hutchison Telecommunications (UK) Ltd is one customer. Marks & Spencer Plc Plc has forked out for another of its packages, used to determine the best position for new shops. The board warns that although 1993 should prove profitable overall, the second half will not produce the same level of profit as for the corresponding period last year (there are no new Mexicos on the horizon). In essence then, the message remains that the company’s fortunes are strongly tied to recovery in the UK and other European economies.
