CATH Kidston, the fashion and homewares retailer, has boosted sales over the last year to £144 million as it rolls out plans to push ahead with its international expansion.

The firm, which runs 160 stores including 66 in the UK, said its earnings before tax lifted 19 per cent to £25m in the year to March 30, after opening stores at home and abroad.

The business, which was founded in 1993, opened 42 outlets last year including a new flagship store next to the Ritz hotel in central London.