SWEET DEBT: Tate & Lyle is to sell its 51 per cent share in Zambia Sugar for £7.9 million to Illovo Sugar in an attempt to reduce group debt.

GAME ON: Online games company Gameplay has moved to allay investors' fears following a fall in its share price. It said it was still on course to achieve profitability within its existing resources.

SAW SALE: Plastics and components maker United Industries is selling its Speedsaws business, which makes hacksaws and saw blades, for £1.2 million.

HOTEL TO GO: Hotels group Friendly Hotels is to sell its Quality Cadogan Hotel in Bournemouth to a private buyer for £1.1 million.

FUND HELP: Technology management group MMI, based in Cambridge, is to help the Royal College of Surgeons in generating additional funds for its research.