Designer Jasper Conran to take over Conran Holdings

Sir Terence Conran is set to hand over the reigns of a large part of his empire to

his son, Jasper, 54.

The 82-year-old designer, retailer and restaurateur, is stepping down as chairman of Conran Holdings, and the change could be announced as early as this week, report various newspapers.

Jasper Conran, an alumni of the New York Parson's School of Design, is best known for his clothing ranges at Debenhams, which he launched in 1996.

In 1986 the British Fashion Council awarded Conran Designer of the Year.