The White Company sees profits doubled

The White Company almost doubled its profits last year, despite an expensive overhaul of its distribution centre. Sales at the retail chain, which sells homeware and clothing increased by 14 percent to 163.6 million pounds in the year to last March.

The takings were boosted by the opening of new stores in Milton Keynes and Norwich, bringing its number of shops to more than 50. Pre-tax profits rose from 6.6 million pounds to 12.8 million pounds, despite the cost of the relocation and expansion of its warehouse.

Will Kernan, chief executive, described it as a “very solid result”. The White Company was founded more than 20 years ago by Chrissie Rucker, a former beauty journalist, after she struggled to find good-quality white linen and tableware for a flat bought by her boyfriend, Nick Wheeler.

Rucker, 47, is married to Wheeler, 51, who set up the shirts-and-shoes mail order business Charles Tyrwhitt. The White Company has started selling in America over the internet and is considering opening its first stores there. It is also starting to introduce more products aimed at men.