It has been reported that French Connection saw a disappointing first half trade, which has seen its losses broaden in the year to 31st January, despite sales improving in the second half of the year.

Figures show that the company reported an underlying operating loss of £4.7 million in comparison to last year’s £0.8 million and pre-tax losses at £3.5 million compared to £1.6 million the previous year.

Despite the losses, the fashion retailer has seen a return to growth in the second half of the year with sales increasing 6% in the UK/Europe retail division and a strong performance has continued into the first six weeks of the new financial year.

Chairman and chief executive of French Connection, Stephen Marks, said: "Overall the performance for the year has been disappointing due to the very poor first half but the improvement we have seen during the second half and into the new financial year shows that we are definitely moving in the right direction.

“The reaction to this year's collections has been strong so far showing that we are on track. We are early in the year and have a considerable amount of work to do to take the Group back to profitability although I believe that the actions we have taken to date will go a long way to taking us there."