Strong summer trading and aggressive expansion helped budget fashion chain Primark ring up a 22% surge in annual sales and beat profit expectations.

Budget fashion chain Primark delivered another blow to rival Marks & Spencer today by reporting six more months of booming growth.

The world’s largest food companies are failing to meet ethical standards, a report has warned.

Budget retailer Primark saw sales boom over its Christmas trading quarter as it continues to build up its presence on the high street.

London’s leading index rose for a third day running, but gains were modest as a downgrade of UK banks by a top ratings agency overshadowed a better than expected jobs report in the US.

THE owner of the discount fashion chain, Primark, which owns Penneys in Ireland, said it was having to discount more than expected as it battles the harsh consumer climate.

The owner of the discount fashion chain Penneys today said it was having to discount more than expected as it battles the harsh consumer climate.

Associated British Foods today reported double-digit sales growth at Primark over the key Christmas trading period but again warned the retailer’s profits would be squeezed by the rise in cotton prices.

The London market marched ahead today as new banking regulations and reassuring Chinese data whetted investors’ appetite for risk.

Fashion chain Primark today became the latest high street retailer to warn over rising costs as it battles against higher cotton prices and tax hikes.

The FTSE 100 Index finished ahead for the first time this week as sentiment was given a tentative boost by more upbeat corporate and economic news today.

Trading on the London market steadied today as blue-chip retailers and financials moved higher.

Penneys' owner Primark’s retail success showed no signs of ending today after the chain reported a 20% jump in sales for the current financial year.

THE success of Primark, which trades as Penneys in Ireland, showed no signs of ending after its owner promised excellent results from the chain.

The success of Primark on the high street showed signs of ending today after its owner promised “excellent results” from the chain.

Seventh heaven how are ye!

Associated British Foods today said growth at discount clothing retailer Primark will help offset falling sugar profits and debt costs.

Associated British Foods today reported a 24% jump in third quarter revenues, despite slower sales growth at discount fashion chain Primark.

Branston Pickle firm Premier Foods unveiled plans for the makeover of its entire Hovis range today.

Kingsmill and Ryvita maker Associated British Foods today said interim profits rose 5% after another “excellent” performance from clothing arm Primark.

Debt-laden Hovis bread maker Premier Foods secured vital breathing space today as it battles against soaring interest payments and wheat prices.

Associated British Foods today said Kingsmill firm Allied Bakeries and clothing retailer Primark continued to make progress.

Bord Gáis has signed up its first natural gas customer in Belfast through its subsidiary in the North, Firmus Energy.

The founding family of British cereals firm Jordans has sold a stake in the business to Kingsmill owner Associated British Foods, it emerged today.

The FTSE 100 Index closed 1% lower today as jittery investors reacted to a lacklustre start to trading in New York.

The London market held firm today as investor confidence rebounded following Friday’s heavy losses.

Kingsmill owner Associated British Foods warned of a further rise in the price of its bread today.

Marks & Spencer led the FTSE 100 Index forward today with a stellar performance as strong half-year figures from the resurgent retailer sent its shares to a record high.

ALLIED BAKERIES Ireland has announced a €8.5m investment in its Belfast operations at Orby Link, creating 18 jobs.

British Airways today bolstered its board by announcing the appointment of top lawyer Denise Kingsmill as a non-executive director.

THE Irish operations of British retailer Marks & Spencer have performed strongly in the past six months, the company said yesterday.