Eighty-five profit warnings were issued by UK-quoted companies in the third quarter of this financial year, with support service firms and media companies the worst hit, a report revealed today.

The number of profit warnings by UK-listed companies increased by a higher-than-expected 40% last year, figures showed today.

The number of companies issuing profits warnings rose by more than 15% during the third quarter of the year, figures showed today.

The number of British companies issuing profits warnings fell by 10% during the second quarter of the year, figures showed today.

The number of British companies reporting bad news in 2003 has remained at a record low despite profit warnings rising towards the end of the year, figures showed today.