Aurora accelerates growth plans - graduate jobs

Aurora Fashions - which runs fashion chains including Oasis, Coast and Warehouse - has posted positive half-year financial results, boosting hopes of new jobs for graduates.

In its trading update for the six months to July 31, the company reported a 36% increase in underlying earnings to £17.8 million.

Boosted by the successful half-year performance, Aurora Fashions is planning to accelerate its growth strategies.

The group was established in March last year to rescue the chains after the collapse of former owner Mosaic and its Icelandic backer Baugur. It also owns the Karen Millen brand.

The firm has already appointed managing directors at each of its four brands. Margaret McDonald, who was formerly working with shoe chain LK Bennett, has joined Coast.

Meanwhile, Hash Ladha - previously part of ASOS - has been appointed as director of Aurora's multi-channel operations.

Chief executive Mike Shearwood said: "Appointing MDs to each of our brands is a significant milestone and demonstrates we have now moved, earlier than originally planned, into the next stage of our development. Our focus is on growth."

Like-for-like sales rose 5% in the half-year, while online sales improved by 34% and the company added 37 new stores. It now has 1,508 shops in 46 countries, including 205 Coast, 250 Oasis and 307 Warehouse outlets in the UK.