Currency impacts Oxford Instruments

Buying scientific cameras business Andor Technology supercharged shares in Oxford Instruments (OXIG) late last year - just two months after confirming an approach for the scientific cameras business, the high-tech tools company was worth almost 50 per cent more. But the euphoria died down as quickly as it emerged and, while the pick-up in orders flagged during the second quarter continued through the second half, management has admitted again that the strong pound is causing problems.