Builder aiming to keep profit level

SHARES IN house builder Wilson Bowden rose 19p to 512.5p as it reported a 23 per cent rise in first half pre-tax profits to pounds 35.8m. Wilson said the holiday period was better than last year and that house reservations were up 8 per cent: it expected full-year 1998 pre-tax profits should at least match last year's result.

Meanwhile, results and order book news from Amey sent its shares 13.5 per cent ahead, or 70p higher, to 587p.