Rubicon, owner of the Principles and Warehouse chains, has completed a shake-up of its entire infrastructure in preparation for growth.
Chief executive Peter Davies said the£3.5 million project, finalised in February, caused disruption during the ensuing three months and is likely to impact financials for the year ending August 31.
However, Davies said the change was necessary. 'We're now in a position where we've got a really solid base. We can get back to moving the business forward,' he said.
Following the departure from former owner Arcadia, Rubicon has found new partners to handle its payroll, buying and merchandising, and accounting systems, plus warehousing and distribution.
The operational services had previously been provided by Arcadia, which held a minority shareholding in Rubicon following the management buy-out in August 2002.
Rubicon bought the remaining stake in August last year, and, in the following six months, the fashion retailer had to set up new systems in order to become fully independent from its former parent.
Davies said expansion is in the pipeline for the Principles and Warehouse brands.
Last year, Rubicon posted a surge in operating profit to£18.1 million, from£9 million in 2002 on sales of£232 million. There are 73 Principles shops and and 73 Warehouse standalones.
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