Boots boost

In its first full financial year since its merger, Alliance Boots reported trading profit up 20.3 per cent to £771m.

The company's Health and Beauty Division, which includes Boots Opticians, delivered good revenue growth, rising 4.2 per cent and 'substantially' increased trading margins.

Alliance Boots executive chairman Stefano Pessina said the group is confident about the year ahead, despite the weaker outlook for consumer spending.