A COMPANY providing airport scanners and medical devices posted a big rise in profits.

Smiths Group, which employs 23,000 people across five divisions, said pre-tax profits rose by 25% to £224m in the six months to January 29 after a 7% rise in revenues to £1.37bn.

The company’s Detection division, which makes sensors used in finding explosives, weapons and drugs, saw half-year sales drop by 9% and operating profits fall by 11% after some orders were delayed.

Despite the slow start to the financial year, Smiths said the division’s non-military order book was ahead of last year.

The Medical division, which drew takeover interest earlier this year, saw sales drop by 2% but operating profits rise by 5% to £85m.