ChemSpec's revenue rose 17 percent to R322.5 million in the six months to September, the paint and coatings group said yesterday.It benefited from a strong focus on cash generation and working capital management.Operating cash flow was R31.4 million. Operating profit grew 63 percent to R41.3 million. Headline earnings rose 150 percent to R17.4 million, while basic earnings gained 210 percent to R27.3 million.