HOUSEBUILDER

and commercial developer Henry Boot got the thumbs-up from the City after predicting annual profits above hopes. Shares rose 4.7pc to 228.25p as Boot forecast pre-tax profits in the year to December 31 slightly ahead of market expectations after a busy December. WH Ireland, which has a ‘buy’ recommendation on the stock, raised its profit forecasts for the year to £32m from £30m.