Fortnum & Mason see record profits

Fortnum & Mason, one of London's finest department stores, has reported record full-year pre-tax profits more than doubling to 3.8 million pounds on the back of expansion both at home and abroad.

In the 12 months to July 31, sales jumped 14 percent to 74.4 million pounds as online sales soared 25 percent.

Chief executive Ewan Venters said: “The last financial year was a landmark one for us and the new stores at St Pancras in London, and in Dubai, have both been big success stories.

“Piccadilly has gone from strength to strength too, and it’s all down to the management and wider staff teams. We have an exceptionally talented group driving the business forward.

“We’re very excited about Christmas, naturally, and all the signs suggest we are going to have our best festive season on record too.

“We’ll continue to invest in the business to provide our customers with the best possible experience, in-store and online, and we’re all set to launch a number of extremely exciting initiatives in 2015 that will, hopefully, see us deliver another set."

Forum & Mason was established in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. It is privately owned by Wittington Investments Ltd.

The store is recognised internationally for its high quality goods and as an iconic British symbol. It has held many Royal Warrants over the past 150 years.