A round-up to today's other stories in brief

C&C chief appointed to top bank post

C&C chief executive Maurice Pratt is to become non-executive chairman of Bank of Scotland Ireland. The bank announced Mr Pratt's appointment yesterday.

Mr Pratt, a former managing director of Tesco Ireland and before that of Quinnsworth, is also an independent member of the Uniphar and Eircom boards. His appointment follows the bank's entry into the Republic's retail market.

Sir Ron Garrick, deputy chairman of the bank's parent, Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), and acting chairman of Bank of Scotland Ireland, will remain on its board.

'Super-growth' firms on increase

The Republic leads the euro zone in an international survey measuring the percentage of "super-growth companies" in each country. The Republic ranked fifth of the 30 countries in the survey.

The Grant Thornton International Business Owners Survey found 26 per cent of Irish companies were in the super-growth category, compared to 15 per cent in 2005.

Super-growth companies are defined as achieving expansion at above the global average for medium-sized companies.

Insurance costs continuing to fall

Insurance premiums are continuing to fall, with the most dramatic price reductions occurring in the home insurance market, according to the Irish Brokers Association (IBA).

Home insurance premiums are down by up to 42 per cent over the past three years, according to a survey of IBA's members, with the average home premium falling by 13 per cent over the period.

The survey indicated that motor insurance premiums have fallen between 20 and 45 per cent since 2001.

Waterford hotelier to lead federation

The Irish Hotels' Federation has elected Annette Devine, proprietor of the Majestic Hotel, Tramore, Co Waterford, as its president at the organisation's annual general meeting in Dublin.

A native of Waterford and a graduate of UCD, Ms Devine began her business career with a chain of fashion boutiques.

IL&P retail head sells 50,000 shares

The head of Irish Life & Permanent's retail division, Denis Casey, has raised €940,000 from the sale of shares in the company. Mr Casey sold 50,000 shares at €18.80 each.

Profits up 17%  at Wolseley

Wolseley, the British building and plumbing supplier which bought Brooks for €183 million (€264 million) in 2004, has reported a 17 per cent rise in first-half profit.

The company said that, despite challenging conditions in the UK, revenues in its British and Irish businesses were up 9 per cent with trading profits rising nearly 6 per cent.

Bright quarter for mortgage group

Kensington, the UK financial services group that competes with IFG in the non-conforming mortgage market, said its first quarter had started well. Total new business completions rose by more than 50 per cent to £800 million stg (€1,150 million), including its Irish "Start Mortgages" business.

Climax appointed to Amarin board

Dr John Climax, founder and executive chairman of Icon, has been appointed a non-executive director of the pharma firm, Amarin.