Jane Norman will open 30 standalone stores in the Middle East over the next four years, as it celebrates a one third rise in profits.

As part of a franchise deal with MAF Fashions, the retailer opened two stores in Dubai over Christmas in the Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre.

The fashion retailer has more than 100 stores overseas – in Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, The Netherlands and Sweden.

Finance director Ian Findlay said there is still “profitable growth” to be had in the UK, where it has 80 standalone stores and will open 20 more in the next two years. The retailer embarked on a rapid expansion after it was bought by Icelandic investor Baugur eight months ago.

In the year to March 31, sales were£132.6 million, compared with£97.3 million the previous year. EBITDA was£30.1 million.

Findlay said that like-for-likes in the current financial year are flat against good comparatives and that he will be aiming for a “modest increase” in profits this year.

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