Shares of Chesire-based NWF Group plc, the agricultural and distribution business that delivers feed, food and fuel across the UK, rose about 5% on Thursday after the firm said it expects that overall trading for the half year to November 30 will be ahead of prior year.

NWF Group CEO Richard Whiting said: “We had a good first half and are trading in line with our expectations.

“During the period, we continued the expansion of NWF in line with our strategy; the two further fuels acquisitions added to the three previously announced, increasing our annualised volumes by almost 30%.

“We are also significantly expanding the food division with a major new contract and warehouse.

“We remain confident in our growth potential and prospects.”