The deal saw a Qatari investment group acquire a minority stake in the British business, a move the brand characterised in a statement as ‘the next step in a series of initiatives planned to accelerate the Company's growth strategy’.

The company appointed James McArthur as its first CEO in May 2011 and has made a number of other high-profile hires in recent months. The brand produced its first London Fashion Week presentation in February 2012, a feat it will follow with a spot on the official show calendar for the spring summer 2013 season.

Hindmarch, who launched her company with a single handbag style in 1987, will remain in place as her eponymous brand’s chairman and chief creative officer.