A software company has "stabilised" in the first half of 2006 after suffering its first ever loss in 2005.

Cleckheaton firm Atlantic Global has announced a growth in turnover to £933,000 for the period up to June 30 compared to the same period last year.

Cash balances have also increased by £36,000 in the same period, with loss before tax slashed from £389,000 to £139,000.

Company bosses point to reduced costs as a major factor in the company's stabilisation, brought about by cost control measures and cost redistribution.

While the company has increased investment in research and product development by £44,000, it has significantly reduced costs in sales and marketing.

Steve Allen, non-executive chairman, said: "After a challenging few years for Atlantic Global, we have stabilised the company's operations, reducing the losses considerably.

"This is testament not just to continued cost-cutting measures but, most importantly, to a more focused sales team and methodology."

Managing director Eugene Blaine said: "By working in closer partnership with prospective customers, in many cases through paid-for evaluation, we have considerably increased both the relevance and the reliability of our new business pipeline.

"Despite the control on expense we have increased spend on research and development to ensure our products continue to offer significant benefits to our customers and are easy to use and implement.

"All of these measures have combined to provide a firm foundation for greater stability and increasing success."

The company has also spent the first half of the year establishing relationships with companies and organisations with whom it has secured new contracts.

These companies include Norwich Union Insurance, AIRCOM, Bradford-based Provident Financial, Tiscali and several other blue chip companies.

Atlantic Global, which is now 14 years old, is recognised and quoted by software analyst Gartner as one of the top 25 companies in the industry.

It is the only UK company to be named in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and one of only two European companies to be listed.

When the firm suffered its first ever loss, it attributed its problems to high levels of investment sales and marketing.

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk