Wickes Group reported a "strong volume-led performance" in the first half and said it remained on track to deliver around 10% growth in adjusted pre-tax profit for 2026, sending its shares sharply higher.

The Watford-based home improvement retailer reported revenue of £865.3m for the 26 weeks to 27 June, up 2.1% year-on-year, while adjusted pre-tax profit increased 1.1% to £27.6m after a difficult period for UK home-improvement retailers

For most employees, pension saving happens in the background. Contributions are paid in each month, but few people make an active investment choice.