Sharply higher profits earned on outdoor advertising in Ireland contributed to improved interim results at the More Group, the former More O'Ferrall concern with 3,500 Adshel bus-stop panels and 1,000 billboards in Ireland.

First-half profits leapt 43 per cent to £8.8 million on turnover up 38 per cent at £66 million after inclusion of first-time figures from acquired businesses in Scandinavia and the USA. Like-forlike operating profits were unchanged on turnover up 13 per cent in local currencies.

Sales and profits increased more than 20 per cent in Ireland, reflecting benefits from increased advertising expenditure, prompting chief executive Mr Roger Parry to observe that "Ireland is a cracking place to do business in at the moment". The interim dividend is 8 per cent higher at 3.9 pence a share.