T Neil Morrison, non-executive director at life insurer Aviva (AV.) has bought 100,000 shares at 484p for a total value of £484,000 on 25 June.

Over the past year Aviva shares have gained 23%.

Morrison’s move comes after the life insurer reported a strong set of results for the first quarter in May with ‘robust’ growth across its divisions.

Aviva remains confident about meeting its targets in the future, including achieving an operating profit of £2 billion by 2026.

BALFOUR BEATTY DIRECTOR BUYS £129,696 SHARES

Leo Quinn, CEO at FTSE 250 construction group Balfour Beatty (BBY) has bought 37,148 shares at 349p for a total value of £129,696 on the 24 June.

Quinn’s purchase after the construction group reported an ‘in line’ trading update in May.

The group continues to expect an increase in profit from operations from its earnings-based businesses and in group earnings in 2024.

Quinn’s move might be seen by investors as a ‘vote of confidence ‘in the company.

Over the past years Balfour Beatty shares have gained a modest 7%.

CAKE BOX DIRECTOR BUYS 50,000 SHARES

Sukh Chamdal, CEO of specialist retailer of fresh cream cakes Cake Box (CBOX:AIM) has bought 50,000 shares at 174p for a total value of £87,000 on 26 June.

Following the purchase Chamdal now has 10,212,915 ordinary shares, representing approximately 25.5% of the company's issued share capital.

Cake Box recently reported a 10.6% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit to £6.02 million and a 12% increase in adjusted earnings before interes,t taxation, depreciation, and  amortisation of £7.46 million for the full year ending 31 March 2024.

The shares are up by around a third over the last year.

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