DATA-gathering group Vianet says its strategy is starting to pay off and first half trading was in line with its expectations.

The Stockton-based business, which changed its name from Brulines in April, provides monitoring systems for the  leisure, vending and garage forecourt markets.

It said that in the six months to the end of September, several major customers extended their contracts in its core beer monitoring business, while the vending division is trading at break-even with strong prospects for the second half.

However, it expects to make a small loss for the first half in its fuel monitoring business.

Vianet said: “Whilst the overall economic environment remains difficult, the future growth prospects across the group's leisure, vending and fuel solutions businesses are very encouraging and management continues to view the future with confidence.”

The company’s first half results will be published in December.