French Connection UK and Europe like-for-like sales jumped 11% in the fashion retailer’s first half.

French Connection said the increase in the 11 weeks to April 12 was a result of its turn-around initiatives and improvements to its product range gaining traction.

French Connection narrowed its losses to £4.4m in its full year to January 31 against a £7.2m loss the prior year.

As part of its turnaround it has been closing unviable stores, appointed a new design team and has been cutting costs across the business.