COMPUTER peripherals and accessories reseller Lindy Electronics has achieved sales of £2.67m in the past year - and the Middlesbrough business is predicting further growth in the coming year.

Managing director Darren Casey said: " Our sales were undoubtedly adversely affected by the economic ramifications of the September 11 attacks on the US, but we managed to keep ourselves pretty much on track. The company is growing at a very good rate, and is securing orders from an increasing number of markets right around the world."

JOBS FAIR: Anyone hoping for a job in retail at the new TJ Hughes store in Newcastle should visit a jobs fair today. The fair, organised by Newcastle Employment Action Team and Jobcentre Plus is being held at St James's Park, between 10am and 4pm.

SALES RISE: Pubs group JD Wetherspoon has reported a sharp rise in sales in the 13 weeks to April 28. Sales in the third quarter rose by 24.5 per cent to £152.9m. Like-for- like business during the quarter was ahead 5.7 per cent.

IN THE RED: Container shipping group P&O Nedlloyd has reported a first quarter loss and warned against hopes of an immediate financial recovery. During the first three months of the year, P&O Nedlloyd achieved a bottom-line pre-tax loss of £57.2m, compared with a profit of £12.3m a year earlier.

TECHNOLOGY DEAL: Anglo-Dutch computer services firm CMG has secured its second major deal in just over a month. The former blue chip has signed a contract with Optimus, one of Portugal's leading mobile phone operators. Under the deal, CMG will supply the technology used in next generation text messaging or multimedia messaging.

DIY BOOM: Ultraframe, which makes roofs for conservatories, has thanked the home improvement boom for an increase in half-year profits. UK sales at the Clitheroe firm jumped 12 per cent to £40.4m in the six months to March 29, helped in part by the mild autumn and winter. However, bottom-line pre-tax profits dipped from £9.1m to £8.8m.