STOCK WATCH

BENCHMARK Holdings announced operations had begun at its vaccine production site in Essex.

It has processed its first commercial-scale batch of antigen for a number of vaccines which are used in farming of fish and crustaceans.

Benchmark specialises in services and products for sustainable food and farming. Once its facility is fully licensed it will be able to expand the number and range of vaccines. Shares climbed 6pc, or 2.5p, to 44.5p.