Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has announced a pre-tax profit of £32m for the six months to 30 April, a rise of 32% on the same period last year.
Turnover excluding joint ventures, however, slipped from £297m in the first six months last year to £263.8m this year. Crest Nicholson said it had enough land to build houses for the next five years, which would boost its future results.

The company's strong landbank has made it the subject of takeover rumours, as rivals look to secure their development pipelines.

Steve Stone, chief operating officer, did not rule out a potential sale of the company. He said: "We are always happy to talk to anybody who might want to talk to us."

  • Barratt Developments has appointed Harold Walker deputy chief executive. Walker is group chairman of the central region, a position he will retain. Clive Fenton will join the board as southern regional chairman.

    David Pretty, Barratt's chief executive, said: "We have also made 31 other appointments across the group, the majority of which are internal promotions."