 By the late 1970s , however , Sinclair Radionics was in serious difficulties . It lost its ability to compete effectively in the calculator market following the launch of a new generation of Japanese @-@ produced calculators with liquid crystal displays , which were much more capable and power @-@ efficient than Sinclair 's LED calculators . Projects to develop a pocket television and digital watch turned out to be expensive flops . The company made losses of over £ 350 @,@ 000 in 1975 – 76 , bringing it to the edge of bankruptcy . In July 1977 Radionics was rescued by a state agency , the National Enterprise Board ( NEB ) , which recapitalised it , provided a loan facility and took effective control of the company by acquiring a 73 % stake . 
