QS Group, the Sussex-based clothing chain with stores across the country, has reported a leap in profits.

The company, which last week added 16 stores to its portfolio with the acquisition of the leases of the Bright Essentials stores for £900,000, has moved out of the red and into the black.

Profit before tax for the six months to July 29 jumped from a loss of £58,000 for the same period last year to £351,000.

Excellent Turnover for the period was up 19 per cent to £38.9 million.

Tony Dignum, chairman of the Portslade-based firm, said prospects for the firm looked good.

"The Bright Essentials portfolio extends further the current QS geographical coverage and provides an excellent platform for future growth.

"We have every confidence in our autumn ranges and with the continued growth of the business.

"The board expect to report further improvements in performance when full-year results are announced."

The latest acquisition is seen as further proof of the firm's intentions to create a national chain.

It added 29 stores in the South West and Wales to its portfolio when it bought budget clothes retailer Richleys for £875,000 last December.

Finance director Eric Holes said: "We believe the QS formula will work nationwide and we intend to take it nationwide."

The company will continue to aim for growth but Mr Holes would not say whether further major purchases are planned.

"We certainly intend to expand the business through whatever is the appropriate method."

Looking forward to the next six months' results, Mr Dignum said in the first six weeks of the second half, like-for-like sales growth of one per cent had been achieved.

But the fuel crisis had significantly impacted on the most recent two weeks, resulting in a three per cent reduction for the eight-week period to September 23.

Mr Dignum said: "We now expect a return to the positive sales trends experienced at the start of the second half."

The Bright Essentials stores are not expected to contribute to earnings in the current financial year.

With stores in most Sussex high streets and a growing presence across the country, the company, whose initials stand for quality and style, is one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the country.