IN BRIEF

Shares in pampered pooch chain Pets At Home leaped yesterday after it posted a jump in sales. Takings rose 5% to £256.5million in the 16 weeks to July 20, boosted by growth in its vet practices.

Big builder Bellway brushed aside concerns of a housing slowdown with a healthy set of results. The Newcastle-based firm said the property market remained “robust” as it pencilled in a 13% rise in annual sales. Bosses said the general election and economic uncertainties hadn’t dented demand.

Online fashion firm ASOS is opening a new depot in the US to ramp up an international roll-out. The firm is spending £30million on the warehouse near Atlanta, expected to open next year.

The co-founders of Betfair and Photobox are among investors who have pumped £500,000 into a babysitting app. The family behind booming fashion firm Boohoo have also put money into Bubble, which launched last year. The app is aimed at parents who need trusted childcare at short notice.

The UK arm of the Bank of Cyprus has upped the rate on its Online Easy Access account to 1.3%.