Demand for UK tailoring sees Lewin ramp up growth abroad

The company, which sells shirts, ties and accessories such as cufflinks, said UK sales increased 7 per cent in the six months to August 27, compared to 21 per cent in the previous year. But while UK trading was hit by the squeeze on the high street it announced plans to grow its international business, which last year accounted for just 13 per cent of its sales, to the same size as its current UK business by 2016 as it taps into demand for UK tailoring.

Its expansion plans would see overseas sales increase from £13m to £88m in just five years. The company, which has two stores in Leeds, and shops in York and Sheffield as well, said overseas sales increased 26 per cent in the first half of its financial year, as it benefited from strong demand from its seven stores in Malaysia and Singapore and online orders from the US and Australia.

Chief financial officer Mike Trotman said: “The quality of UK fashion is still very highly regarded overseas.” He said the slowdown in the UK came as the company scaled back its store opening programme in order to focus on its online sales.

But underlying sales trends were still strong as it benefited from resilient trends in the higher end of the fashion market and people smartening up at work amid fears over their job security.

The company also revealed that its sales grew 20 per cent to £110.4m in the year to February 26. Underlying profits rose 5 per cent to £14.7m after its margins were squeezed as it battled higher cotton prices and put on more special offers to drum up trade.