Tinopolis reports big profits rise

Tinopolis has reported a 142% profits rise after a string of commissions from its subsidiaries.

The Mentorn and Sunset+Vine owner made £2.56m pre-tax profit in the year to September 30 compared to £1.06m in 2006. Its turnover rose 40% to £66m.

Executive chairman Ron Jones said: "During a period of turmoil in the stock market and major falls in prices, particularly in media stocks, we are pleased to report that the business remains in good shape and is progressing in line with the plans and targets we have been outlining over the last two years.

"The year has seen significant progress across all parts of our business. The BBC's decision unilaterally to terminate its Jam service damaged our results and our interactive business, but momentum has now been recovered."

Sunset+Vine will this year produce Grand National coverage for the BBC and its co-production for BBC One's Eurovision Dance Contest has been recommissioned.

Mentorn also secured a £5.5m three-year deal for Question Time on BBC One and is making new religious offering The Big Question for the channel.

It is also making America's Worst Driver for Fox in its first new US network show for four years.