Zonal reports record profits and turnover

Zonal Retail Data Systems, the Edinburgh-based supplier of electronic sales systems and software to the hospitality industry, posted record results yesterday with turnover up 40 per cent.

The company, which employs nearly 200 people, said sales in the year to July reached 19.5 million, generating an operating profit of almost 2.9m.

Zonal supplies electronic point-of-sale systems to more than 300 hospitality companies, and designs and manufactures all its own hardware and software in Scotland.

Managing director Stuart McLean said: "Our long-term policy of investing in our people and products, along with maintaining investment in all areas of our business, was fundamental in making this year so successful."

The company acquired Freshnet, an online ordering and purchase-to-pay provider, in July of last year.

It now plans to expand its base in hospitality, particularly the restaurant sector, with further acquisitions and recruitment of experienced personnel.