STOCK WATCH

■ THE owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society said it has made ‘excellent progress’ towards its revenue targets.

In a trading update for the six months to the end of June, Artisanal Spirits said it is ‘confident’ of meeting its aim to double revenue between 2020 and 2024. It reported a near25pc sales rise to almost £10m, driven by China where revenue rose more than 50pc.

Membership of the whisky society surged by around 24pc to exceed 35,500. Shares soared 11pc, or 6p, to 60.5p.