WH Ireland trio show faith with significant share purchase

A trio of WH Ireland directors, including new chief executive Richard Killingbeck, have underlined their faith in the firm by snapping up a raft of shares.

Killingbeck (pictured), who was confirmed as the private client stockbroker's head following the surprise departure of Paul Compton at the end of last year, bought 80,000 shares through his Sipp on 14 January. The stake acquired at 55p per share and increases his total holding to 805,000 shares, or 3.4% worth around £440,000.

Meanwhile, WH Ireland head of private clients John Scott bought 110,000 shares also at 55p, increasing his total holding to 234,575 shares or 0.99%.

Finance director Alan Kershaw has also backed the firm, doubling his stake from 20,000 shares to 40,000 representing a 0.17% interest.

The news comes at an uncertain period for WH Ireland, with the group remaining tight-lipped amid talk Compton quit the firm in a boardroom bust-up relating to his personal share dealings.

The group subsequently suspended its Cardiff head head as part of an investigation into personal share trades conducted by its executives.

At 10.40am shares in WH Ireland were unmoved on 57p.