business up 9 percent like-for-like and over 50 percent in total sales.

Chairman Ian Peacock said: “'The multi-channel UK business has shown resilience in a slow economic environment, strengthened by the successful direct operations. The integration of the Early Learning Centre and the reshaping of the combined property portfolio are both progressing well. The international business goes from strength to strength, driven by strong franchisee like-for-like sales and 32 new store openings, including the opening of our first store in China in the quarter.”