Shares in Bradford fabric supplier Drummond Group have risen steadily in recent weeks, but there are few shares available and one or two buyers can soon move the price.

With a market value of less than £3 million, and sales of £50m, any news that the company shows real signs of recovery will be quickly reflected in the market. Meanwhile the March dividend on the preference shares held by major shareholder Chargeurs was deferred and gearing remains high.

The stock market viewed Keighley-based Peter Black's latest deal favourably, with the shares up a further 14 pence. The company has purchased the business of Fii Group, another footwear supplier to Marks & Spencer, for £5.2 million.

Peter Black will take over supply contracts placed overseas and the current customer order book, estimated at £12m, together with stock contracted by Marks & Spencer. The deal has strong commercial logic and will enhance earnings.

Pace Micro Technology shares continue to rise, reflecting the enhanced scope for digital television, which requires the set top boxes made by Pace. In a high tech industry with substantial development costs, extra volume for a limited number of supplies can work wonders for profits - just as the delay in orders two years ago had the opposite effect.

Hill Hire's shares continue to rise ahead of results due on May 25. They have gained over 16 per cent in the last month, and further progress is anticipated in next week's announcement.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.