Robotics and automation experts Blue Prism has announced a major platform release as it gave an update on its half year trading.

The Warrington-headquartered Aim-listed firm develops Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software, which helps large companies automate complex administrative tasks.

It revealed first half bookings for the six-month period ending 30 April 2021 were £98m, up 35% from last year.

Gross and net retention rates were 98% and 115% respectively, and there was a closing cash position of £126m.

Closing Annual Recurring Revenue was £168m on a comparable basis.

Based on current figures the group full year revenues for 2021 to be towards the lower end of the £170-£180m guidance range and an EBITDA loss for the year of £25m.