Sirius has issued a positive trading update saying that the first six months of 2005 have seen steady progress across all areas of activity.

Stephen Verrall, chairman and group chief executive said: "In our insurance broking business we are delighted with the success and acceptance into the market of our new online managed service ‘Sirius 21'.

"Sales have gathered momentum month on month since its launch in January 2005 with 40 brokers having signed up, 25 of whom are already live.

"We have also made excellent progress towards achieving our stated aim of making 2005 a ‘record year' for the sale of our S4I software for Insurance companies with seven orders confirmed in the period.

"Pleasingly, we have seen sales in each of our target markets of UK, US, Australia and Africa."

Verall also said that Sirius' development centre in India was expanding and would increase the opportunity for the company to strengthen its net margins over the next few years.

"Overall, the board expects to report sales growth & improved profitability for the first half of 2005 when it announces Interim results in September," Verall concluded.

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