The FTSE Small Caps Index is up 0.4 percent in mid-session trade, outpacing a 0.2 percent gain on the blue-chip FTSE 100 (FTSE: ^FTSE - news) index, while the FTSE 250 (FTSE: ^FTMC - news) mid-cap index is also up by 0.4 percent.
Charles Taylor rises 5.9 percent after the insurance services company encourages with a trading update which states that the company has been trading in line with market expectations.
"Overall, there is a positive tone to the statement, with the underlying divisions seeing an encouraging start to the year," write analysts at Peel Hunt, commenting on Charles Taylor's trading update. Peel Hunt keeps a "buy" rating on the stock.
ViaLogy, which provides data and analytical services for oil and gas companies, also rises 7.7 percent after announcing a new contract with the company Gente Oil.
"In our view, today's announcement illustrates ViaLogy's continued progression in securing oil companies that have clearly identified the benefits of using QuantumRD as part of their seismic interpretation process," Cantor writes in a research note, keeping a "buy" rating on ViaLogy.
Beowulf Mining slips 3.5 percent after the company announces the relinquishment of certain exploration permits in order to concentrate resources on other projects which it feels have more potential.
Reuters messaging rm://sudip.kargupta.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
