Britain’s second largest retailer remains bullish as profit forecasts exceed expectations.

Debenhams announced yesterday that its yearly pre-tax profit would likely rise by 20m per cent. The increase comes on the back of designer range performance and online sales.

The company predicted that it would hit the £150 million profit mark, with the recent trends of store expansion and discounting helping to fuel coffers by £3 million over what analysts had previously forecast. However, at stores that had been open to the public for at least one year, overall sales were flat compared with the previous 12 months.

Despite the unsteady consumer environment, which has seen the public sector suffer widespread job cuts, material costs rise and austerity measures hinder spending, Debenhams has been able to produce the upbeat estimate which covers the year until 28 August. Deputy chief executive for Debenhams, Michael Sharp, said the store was well placed to cope with what has been a challenging storm. Mr Sharp said the impending VAT rise was an obvious concern for all retailers, but that his company’s commitment to offering the right products at right prices had served them well in times of financial hardship. Mr Sharp also acknowledged that online sales had seen a significant rise, with many customers trending towards the time and money saving alternative.

With 160 stores across Britain and Ireland, Debenhams is the UK’s second largest sales retailer behind John Lewis, and also features stores in Denmark and over 60 franchised outlets overseas.

The end of an era in fashion as Kate Moss leaves the leading high street retailer.

Supermodel Kate Moss has designed her last regular range for the fashion giant run by Sir Philip Green, ending a successful four-year partnership.

Topshop has confirmed that the 14th collection from Moss, the upcoming autumn/winter collection, will be her swansong, although she may feature in a number of one-off designs in the future according to parent company Arcadia, who also owns fellow fashion outlets Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Bhs.

Industry insiders claim that the separation has been amicable, highlighted by the opening of the New York flagship store last April when Moss and Sir Philip appeared side by side. It is understood that the considerable amount of time required to put a collection together was the main reason for the departure of Moss, who has chosen to concentrate on other opportunities. Only recently, Ms Moss appeared on the cover of British Vogue magazine, marking the incredible 30th time in her career she has graced the iconic magazine.

The four-year collaboration with Topshop, considered to be a lengthy relationship in the fashion industry, was believed to have netted Moss around £3 million per year. She was snapped up by Sir Philip in 2005 after the tabloid scandal which featured photos of her snorting cocaine, when many thought her career was over. Her last collection will be released in October.

Dedicated followers of fashion who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry will now be able to do so at a new United Arab Emirate campus.

The world-famous London College of Fashion (LCF), which is the only British institution to offer specialised study courses in fashion research, education and consultancy, has announced the launch of its UAE program which will offer potential students the chance to study some of the most popular programs under the school’s top teachers.

 A total of nine short-courses will be offered in the UAE from May 22nd until May 26th 2010, including; Introduction to Fashion Journalism, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Principles of Personal Fashion Styling, Luxury Brand and Product Design, Online Fashion Marketing, Introduction to Fashion Marketing, The Power of Visual Merchandising, The Business of Fashion and Starting Your Own Fashion Label.

LCF claims that the history of the Middle East, steeped in painting and poetry, is an ideal location for fashion study. The short courses are the same as those that have been a success in the UK and offer UAE residents a great opportunity to develop their skills of just hone their interest. Already several local designers and labels have signed up for the wonderful opportunity.

The courses will be taught be established fashion industry professionals, such as Jimmy Choo, and will provide a Certificate of Attendance to all participants.