DENTAL business 1st Dental Laboratories has made a small profit after turning the company around.

The Harrogate business recorded a pre-tax profit of £10,000 in its interim results for the six months ended 31 May 2010, from a loss before tax of £326,000 in 2009.

Chairman Grahame Sewell said the volcanic ash cloud had hit revenues in April and May, because its online business, e-teeth, sources products by air from China.

He also said reduced orders to its core business of crowns and bridges, prosthetics, orthodontics and implant work was down, possibly as a result of a large number of dentists being stranded overseas.

Revenue was down to £4.9 million from 5.1 million in 2009.

The headcount reduced by 9 per cent during the year and Mr Sewell said the business would continue to find efficiencies.

“I am extremely pleased to report that 1st Dental’s turnaround strategy has resulted in a modest profit.

“The Group traditionally expects to see higher revenues in the second half of the year and 1st Dental is driving to increase its profile and brand in the dental marketplace,” he said.