UTILITY meter provider Energy Assets has granted shares to its top staff worth almost £1 million at current prices, writes Marion Dakers.

The Livingston-based company granted chief executive Phil Bellamy-Lee share options worth about £406,000 at yesterday's closing price of 422.5p. Chief operating officer Russell Gibson was granted £308,000-worth of stock options, while chief financial officer John McMorrow was awarded options worth £231,000 at yesterday's price.

The trio will not have access to the shares for at least three years, and will only get the full amount if the company hits targets on investor returns through a rising share price and dividends.

Shareholders in the Livingston-based company approved the pay plans at a meeting earlier this month.