Builder under fire

BUIldER Crest nicholson was given a bloody nose when a third of its shareholders failed to back boss Stephen Stone’s appointment as executive chairman.

at its annual general meeting, 20.8pc of investor votes were cast against Stone, the former chief executive, taking on the role while another 9.5pc withheld their vote amid concerns over his planned length of tenure.

The protest comes despite extensive talks with shareholders ahead of the meeting to win greater backing for the move.

The housebuilder vowed to continue talking to shareholders.