Profits are soaring at pioneering Oxfordshire computer company Torex, writes David Duffy.

The firm, run by Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year Award winner Chris Moore, supplies hi-tech systems to High Street retailers and medical practices.

About one in every three GP practices nationwide uses a system developed by Stonesfield-based Torex, which also helped develop the Premier Points smart card for BP.

The company also makes customer stock-checker systems allowing Argos customers to check whether an item is in stock before queuing to pay at a till. Its systems also manage newspaper purchases at WH Smith railway station branches. In the six months to June 30, the firm's pre-tax profits rose by 69 per cent to 3.5m, up from 2.1m last year. Turnover was up 88 per cent to 34.9m.

Chairman Mr Moore said: "Torex has made a good start to the year. A major milestone for the health division was achieved in May with our expansion into hospital systems and Europe through the acquisitions of the UK, Dutch and Irish subsidiaries of SMS.

"The SMS businesses have been integrated into Torex Health under one management team. Operating as one business will allow us to more effectively address the needs of the NHS.