Grounds for optimism as profits rise at Costa

Profits at coffee shop chain Costa have risen by a fifth after more strong sales and a surge in the size of its UK estate to more than 1,600 stores.

The retailer, which is part of the Whitbread leisure group, grew total worldwide sales by 19.5% to £569.2m in the six months to August 29, while underlying profits were 20.5% higher at £43.5m.