A FIRM that helps keep Britain shopping has rung up record profits.

Computer company Torex, based at Stonesfield, supplies the Stock Checker system used in Argos stores nationwide to let shoppers check if an item is in stock before queuing at a till to pay.

The firm announced operating profits jumped by 96 per cent last year to £3.4m.

Torex chief executive Chris Moore said: "1998 was a very exciting year for Torex, both in terms of financial performance and strategic development.

"The tremendous increase in operating profits reflects the success of the group's strategy of pursuing organic growth and strong operating margins, together with carefully targeted acquisitions to accelerate the group's overall development.

"With hard work and dedication, the company's results should continue in line with our ambitious expectations."

Torex has three branches. Torex Retail is mainly concerned with the design and supply of electronic point-of-sale equipment which is used at store checkouts, including Argos, Blackwell's, John Menzies, Jewsons and some Co-ops. Mr Moore said the retail division had a 'very satisfactory' year.

Torex Medical is a market leader in providing clinical computer systems for general practitioners. It provides maintenance contracts for customers at 800 practices in the UK that now use its systems. During the year, Mr Moore said the medical division more than doubled in size and ended the year as one of the top three suppliers to GPs with an 18 per cent market share.

Torex Fields' computer engineers service and maintain hardware and software systems, including those supplied by the retail and medical divisions.

Story date: Monday 15 February

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