Bay Trading owner Alexon today added its name to the growing list of retailers feeling the pressure from the slide in consumer confidence.

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.

Loss-making shoe retailer Dolcis was sold today for a fraction of the price its owner paid for the business seven years ago.

Fashion retailer Alexon reported lower profits today following disappointing performances from its Dolcis footwear and Envy menswear businesses.

Insurers remained under pressure today as the London market continued to fret over the implications of Britannic’s profits warning a day earlier.