STOCK WATCH

CAR seller Marshall Motor Holdings accelerated after recording resilient performance in the first half of the year despite fewer customers buying new cars in the UK.

Although sales declined, Marshall has begun to see the benefits of buying Ridgeway Garages last May. Performance in the first quarter was strong as some customers brought new car purchases forward to avoid additional vehicle taxes introduced at the beginning of April. Shares rose 5.8pc, or 8p, to 145p.