CREDIT lender Provident Financial is to increase its interim dividend to shareholders by almost 8% after posting improved half year results.

The Bradford-based group said its consumer credit division had enjoyed a "stable" performance, while its Vanquis Bank operation saw growth.

Chief executive Peter Crook said: "I am pleased to report a strong set of results for the first half with earnings per share up 19.8% and a 7.9% increase in the interim dividend. "The group's funding position is extremely robust and all......for the full story register now for free or login below...