Egham-based Spectris reports that its sales fell by 5% (to £539.8 million) for the six months to 30 June, while its pre-tax profits fell by 10% (to £67.3 million).

John O’Higgins, chief executive of the analytical-instrument maker, said: “In the first half, we saw a solid contribution from three of our four business sectors.

However, this was impacted by weaker-than-expected performance during the second quarter.

“The second half will benefit from investments incurred in the first half for new-product launches, regional growth initiatives and recent acquisitions. The businesses are strategically well positioned, and the board of Spectris believes that it will deliver a second-half performance in line with expectations.”