Beyond the Footsie: Tuesday close

SMALLER company shares ended lower for a third consecutive session, matching the weak trend in the wider market. The FTSE SmallCap index closed 13.3 points down at 2,064.1.

Airbath Group was among the index's best performers, after the baths and bathwares designer and manufacturer revealed trading in the first quarter was 'a little below' last year but in line with expectations as it reported maiden full-year profits of £944,000 on turnover of £12.9m. A cautiously optimistic outlook helped the shares rise 1 1/4p to 9 1/4p.

Express Dairies shares were lifted 1 1/4p at 30 1/4p by news that its milkmen will start delivering post on their milkrounds after the company was granted a postal licence.

Biopharmaceutical company Protherics took on 1 1/2p at 21 3/4p. It told shareholders at its AGM that the second half may be stronger than the first, as its manufacturing capability expands.

Redbus Interhouse added 1/2p to 6 1/2p after fellow internet host UK2 Group was revealed to be buying its shares. Its holding is now 28.09%.

Redbus shareholders will vote next month on proposals to remove the group's management team, which includes UK2 director John Porter, at an EGM called by founder Cliff Stanford.

Telewest led the gainers, jumping 63% as speculation continued over the next move for the indebted cable group. Last week, Liberty Media chairman John Malone withdrew his tender offer for Telewest bonds and removed three of its representatives from the company's board. But Liberty, which is Telewest's biggest shareholder, has said he still wants to be involved in the group's future.

Telewest shares ended 0.70p higher at 1.80p.

Vague speculation of corporate action also aided Baltimore, up 1.25p to 7p.