Homeserve reveals little change in first quarter

Emergency home repairs group HomeServe said trading has been as expected during its traditionally quieter first quarter.

Ahead of its annual general meeting, where shareholders will wave off chief executive Martin Bennett as he steps down after 15 years on the board, the FTSE 250 group reiterated that it saw good prospects for growth in the year ahead, with attractive opportunities in all its geographies.

"In particular, continued strong organic growth is expected in North America, with the potential for acquisitions to provide opportunities to further accelerate business development across the group in the full year," the company said.

As well as Bennett's departure from the board, the company said Katrina Cliffe will take over from Stella David as chair of the remuneration committee, with Stella remaining senior independent director and chair of the people committee.