SCHUH, the shoe retail chain run from Livingston, grew profits by around 10 per cent in the latest financial year when growing sales of children’s shoes was a focus. The US-owned firm made £16.6 million profit before tax and interest in the year to 28 January up from £15.2m in the preceding year. Sales increased by five per cent to £280.9m from £266.8m. David Gillan-Reid, finance and human resources director, said the business had a more challenging start to the year but trade picked up over Christmas. The company said: “Schuh kids was a big focus in FY17 and continues to thrive. We opened two new stand-alone stores including our first London branch in Westfield Stratford City and another in Bluewater, Kent.” Schuh opened one traditional adults store during the year, in Luton. The business was bought by Genesco in 2011 for up to £125m.