LONDON (ShareCast) - Plastic shopping trolley maker Supercart was down after announcing increased pre-tax losses in a year of “both challenges and successes” with sales in North America below expectations.

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation widened to £791,000 from £701,000 previously. Turnover increased by 20% to £2.9m from £2.4m a year ago.

In North America, like on like sales of the 165 litre 'Classic' trolley increased by 16% but were still well short of expectations. South Africa on the other hand saw increases of over 25% in both unit sales and revenue.

“Although we have only achieved modest sales during 2006, we will shortly be introducing new product into North America, and we believe we are well positioned for a better 2007,” said chairman Victor Segal.

Shares in software firm VI Group jumped as pre-tax profits surged.

Pre-tax profit came in at £942,000 from £601,000 last year on turnover that rose 8% to £11m, as a result of organic growth and the acquisition of Plastics & Computer and Camtek during the year.

“We are pleased that the growth was achieved against a background of lower exchange rates for both the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen. In constant currency terms sales growth would have been 11%,” said the group.

Digital advertising and communications specialist ScreenFX rose strongly after announcing a contract win to supply digital flat screen networks to 13 Land Securities' shopping centres throughout the UK.

“This represents an important breakthrough for ScreenFX in positioning our MallFX division as the leading digital communications provider for shopping malls in the UK,” commented ScreenFX chairman Mike Cottman.

• News Channel