Ted Baker profits surge 18.6% on expansion drive

Ted Baker’s full-year profit rose by nearly a fifth due to strong demand for its offbeat fashions and the opening of stores from Mexico to the Middle East, setting the UK clothing retailer apart from its rivals in a competitive market.

It said yesterday that initial reaction to its latest spring and summer collections had also been “positive”.

Established British clothing retailers are engaged in a fierce battle with fast-fashion brands such as Inditex’s Zara and the trendsetting designs of the likes of Reiss and Whistles.