UK sales at TV shopping business QVC climbed 2.3% to £367.9m in 2009 after a stronger second half.

Last month UK chief executive Steve Hofmann moved to run QVC in Italy and was replaced by chief operating officer and chief finance officer Dermot Boyd.

Boyd said that the TV shopping business had a tough start to 2009 but trading in its second half was much improved.

“Our focus on outstanding customer service led to a growth in sales from our active customer base and a dramatic reduction in customer service calls. The outcome was that the second half exceeded our expectations,” he said.