Ad spend rise for French Connection

French Connection is to continue increasing its ad spend over the next six months following a 15 per cent profit rise in the first half of the year.

The company will launch a range of men’s grooming products in partnership with Boots next month, and a range of branded Timex watches.

Its results for the first half-year to July 31 showed pre-tax profits up 15.4 per cent to £7.5m on turnover up 24.7 per cent to £87.4m over the previous year.

Chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks says an increased ad spend, up from £1.9m the previous year to £3.1m in the past six months, has contributed to its success both in the UK and the US.

“To achieve this continued high level of sales growth, it has been necessary to support the brand with a high level of marketing and ad spend. We will continue this policy into the second half of the year.”

French Connection ad agency TBWA GGT Simons Palmer has continued to create its controversial fcuk ads, most recently the “Everyone’s talking fcuk” execution, and a TV campaign.

The company is to open a 14,000sq ft store in Oxford Street later this year.