The Park Group has finally shaken off the downturn that hit the home shopping group following the collapse of its rival Farepak in 2006.

The Park Group said that in the year to March 31, Christmas orders had increased 17 per cent. It also reported that 38,000 new agents have been employed to drive neighbourhood sales.

Following the Farepak collapse, a government rule now means that money in similar Christmas saving schemes would be kept in ring-fenced accounts, so it can be returned to customers should they go bust.

In a statement, The Park Group said: “It is very encouraging to report that the expected recovery in customer confidence has materialised.”

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