Bankrupts high

THE number of people going bankrupt has hit a new high, Government figures showed.

During the final three months of 2005, 20,461 people in England and Wales became insolvent, 15 per cent more than during the previous three months - which at the time was the highest figure since records began in the 1960s.

Among these, there was a 57 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of bankruptcies to 13,501, while those taking out Individual Voluntary Arrangements - under which people agree to repay a set amount each month in exchange for having interest on their debts frozen - more than doubled to 6,960.

John Lewis up

Department store chain John Lewis ended its financial year on a high note after reporting sales growth of 7.5 per cent in the final week of the period.

In October, sales were down on the previous year, but that was followed by a "dramatic improvement" to leave second half sales up 4.6 per cent overall.

In the week to last Saturday, sales of £39.4m were achieved, compared with £36.6m a year earlier.

Rugby spin-off

HIGH street chic has reached the world of elite sport with the England rugby team wearing M&S clothes for their post-match functions.

Marks and Spencer has signed a three-year deal to supply the team with their formal wear and travel suits.

The team will be dressed by the chain for the Six Nations tournament. The England As, under-21s, under-19s and Sevens will also be dressed in M&S.

er as part of the deal.Colder weather on Friday and Saturday increased footfall and the chain saw growth in every region and every department, with particularly good sales in men's and women's clothing, electricals and winter linens such as duvets.

Several branches produced sales increases of at least 5% on the previous year, including Southampton, Glasgow, Solihull