Sales of Dr Martens shoes and boots were higher last year as the British brand enlarged its global footprint and attracted new customers.

Revenue at the company was up 30% to £454.4 million in the year to March 31.

Meanwhile, underlying earnings soared by 70% to £85 million.
Growth was recorded across all channels, with retail revenue up 30% while e-commerce jumped 67%.

Sales in stores were boosted by the opening of 20 new sites during the year, as well as strong like-for-like growth of 18%.

Overall direct-to-consumer revenue was up 42% to £199.4 million, while wholesale grew 23% to £255 million.

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Speaking to PA, chief executive Kenny Wilson said several factors had driven the company's growth during his first year in charge.

He said: "It's a great brand, we're taking it to more people, and we've got a strategy that's working.

"Is there a cultural moment? I think there's many interesting things happening around the world.

"It's a brand for independent free thinkers, and if you look at protest and rebellion for a brand that's about rebellion, there's a lot going on."

He said that the firm's vegan range, which now accounts for around 4% to 5% of sales, is set to continue growing rapidly as more consumers ditch leather.

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However, the core range has also maintained popularity, while new styles such as sandals and Chelsea boots have introduced new customers to the brand.

Earlier this year the business doubled down on its commitment to British manufacturing, investing in its Northampton facility to increase the amount of shoes made in the UK.

Mr Wilson said it was "full steam ahead" at the factory.

"As a British brand, it's important that we maintain that."

There are currently no new store openings planned for the UK, with the brand instead focusing on a rollout in France and Germany, as well as key sites in North America and Asia.

But Mr Wilson remained confident in bricks-and-mortar outlets.

"I think stores are still important, but we believe that in a fast changing retail environment it's important to be selective about the places that we pick."

Deliveroo has said it is pulling out of Germany to concentrate on other markets, but is holding out the possibility of returning at a later date.

London-based Deliveroo said will shut down its service in Europe's biggest economy on August 16.

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In an email sent to customers, the company said its goal is "to create the world's best food delivery service" and "offering customers, drivers and restaurants an outstanding service".

It added that "where we cannot provide this on the level that we expect and that you deserve, we do not operate".

Like other food delivery services, the company has been criticised in Germany and elsewhere for its treatment of its drivers and cyclists.

Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries has said it will sell a 20% stake in its oil and chemicals business to Saudi oil giant Aramco, calling the deal India's largest foreign direct investment.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported the deal is worth 15 billion US dollars (£12.4 billion).

Chairman Mukesh Ambani said Aramco will also supply Reliance's Jamnagar refineries with 700,000 barrels of oil a day on a long-term basis.

The refining complex has a capacity to process 1.4 million barrels per day.
He told an annual shareholders' meeting that Reliance will also sell around half of its fuel retail business to global oil giant BP for 70 billion rupees (£815 million).

Last week, Reliance announced that it was forming a fuel retailing joint venture with BP in which Reliance would own a 51% stake.