Mothercare makes improvement as new boss takes first steps towards turning babywear retailer around

• e-mail

An improved performance at babywear retailer Mothercare shows that new chief executive Mark Newton-Jones has taken some first steps towards turning the business around.

The firm, promoted by TV presenter Myleene Klass, who designs her own collection for the High Street chain, said losses from the troubled UK business had narrowed and sales had increased.

Overall, the retailer, which has a strong international business, posted a pre-tax profit of £9.3million for the 28 weeks to October 11, up from a loss of £7.1million on sales of £372million.

TV star: Myleene Klass designs her own collection for the High Street chain

Shares increased 5.7 per cent or 10p to 183.25p after underlying sales at the UK operation rose 1.5 per cent.

Mothercare has suffered fierce competition from supermarkets and internet retailers.

It issued a £100million rights issue in September, and said most of the UK stores, which will be cut to 160 from 220 over the next three years, will switch to larger out-of-town formats that house more items and services.