Following advice - i have removed and reimported updated applications to Apple Configurator this worked without a hitch - i was able to import the latest versions of 10 applications but..
Upon refreshing one device I was not able to install Garageband even though the codes and application previously loaded about 5 minutes before. I then stopped the update because it had failed. After a period of time process stops cleanly. Message in configurator is "insufficient license codes" to install the Garageband.
Ok getting used to this game (not fun) but it fills in my day! Click on the application in Apple Configurator and import redemption codes (again). After a period of time (long) the message "Finished importing Redemption codes" appears but does not disappear - ie complete. Apple Configurator is now frozen.
I Force Quit Apple Configurator, all changes (work) is lost and possible the configurator database is now corrupt. I also now have the bonus of trying to fix another problem to fix.
Whilst the advice above is good & i am not critical of those who replied and would like to thank them. I am nearing the end of the line now with Apple Configurator