BUSINESS EXTRA Not flexible FINANCE

Driving force

UK car sales recovered further in February for the seventh consecutive month as registrations rose by 26 per cent with electric vehicles and plug­in hybrids accounting for almost a quarter of new models. Last month’s 77,441 registrations were only 6.5 per cent lower than pre­pandemic levels.

Pampered dogs

PET CARE company Artero, which specialises in dog grooming and cosmetics, had a turnover of more than €20 million last year, compared with €8.5 million in 2018, a 150 per cent increase. The group, which sells in 90 countries, now has plans to open subsidiaries in the UK and France.

Naughty step

TONY DANKER, who heads the Confederation of British Industries, took time out during an investigation into his conduct at work involving a female employee. The CBI said it took all matters of workplace conduct “extremely seriously” but declined to comment until the review was complete.

Serve yourself

SPAIN has 1,900 petrol selfservice petrol stations, accounting for just over 18 per cent of the total. This 49 per cent increase between March 2021 and January 2023 was accompanied by lower running costs, resulting in more competitive prices, said Aesae, the association representing the sector.

Fashion fiasco

MANCHESTER’S online fashion group In The Style is selling out to private equity group Baaj Capital for £1.2 million (€1.34 million) two years after it was listed on the stock market with a value of £105 million (€117.82). The company said the sale was necessary to avoid administration.

was paid out in dividends to the holders of stocks and shares in companies listed on Spain’s Stock Exchange in 2022, an increase of 32 per cent on 2021.