Market Report: Taking Stock

Queensborough, the leisure vehicle of ML Laboratories founder Kevin Leech, is near to its restaurant launch. Earlier this year it recruited Michael Guthrie, former head of Mecca and the unquoted BrightReasons eating- out chain, to mastermind what it calls a casual dining division. It is understood trial ventures will open soon and the concept could be quickly rolled out. Queensborough, with caravan parks and waxwork attractions, firmed to 28p.

Nursing Home Properties, the property investment company specialising in the purchase and leaseback of care homes, held near its peak at 122.5p. Meditrust, the big US group which has a 20 per cent interest, is guaranteeing a pounds 10m loan. It is thought NHP has its eyes on properties in the Manchester area.