Cath Kidston, founder of the eponymous homewares and fashion label, has left the business, stepping down from her role as director.

Kidston, who founded the label famous for its floral and chintz patterns in 1993, retains a 12% stake in the business.

A spokesperson said she wanted to “concentrate on her other business interests”.

Kidston has distanced herself from being at the centre of the business in recent years. She brought in and trained Christine Hafsten as her replacement for the creative director role, which she left in November 2014. Hafsten became head of creative when Kidston departed.

Chairman Paul Mason said: “Cath has been an incredible sounding board for us all on the board. Her drive, spirit, entrepreneurism and design originality has been an inspiration to us all. Cath remains a very important brand ambassador for the company as well as a significant shareholder.”

The other shareholders are Baring Asia and TA Associates, with the management at Cath Kidston Group owning a smaller stake.

Cath Kidston now has more than 200 shops globally, including presence in Japan and the Middle East.