Whittard of Chelsea to open more stores

Maiden full-year figures from Whittard of Chelsea, the tea and coffee retailer that floated on the Alternative Investment Market in June, emerged in line with expectations with a 39 per cent rise in sales to pounds 21.8m producing a 37 per cent profits increase to pounds 1.80m.

Four new shops have opened in London since June and new openings mean the chain now has 26 outlets in Japan. The shares closed unchanged at 145.5p.