M&S hails recovery

Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Rose finally hailed a “recovery” at the high-street chain today after sales surged in the build-up to Christmas.

M&S said same-store sales were 5.6% higher between October and December than they were in the same period 12 months earlier.

Mr Rose, who until today has refused to use what he calls “the R-word”, said: “We have now delivered growth on growth in all areas of our business, thus completing the first part of our recovery plan.”