City-born fashion guru to retire as chairman of Per Una womenswear; In association with Rensburg Sheppards.

THE Liverpool-born fashion designer behind Marks & Spencer's hit Per Una womenswear range is retiring from the business, the retailer said.

George Davies, who founded Per Una in 2001, will step down as part time chairman of the label at the end of the year.

The 67-year-old is a former chief executive of high street fashion chain Next, and also the creator of the George at Asda fashion label.

He made around pounds 125m when M&S bought Per Una in 2004 and stepped back to become part-time chairman in July, 2006.

Until M&S's recent trading woes, Per Una, which accounted for pounds 429m in group revenues during the year to March, had been credited with playing a large role in the recovery of the business under executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

Mr Davies's daughter, Melanie, is also stepping down as business unit director of the womenswear range.

Sir Stuart said: "George has done a fantastic job in establishing Per Una and building it into a significant brand. We are immensely grateful to him for all he has done for M&S."

M&S has recently struggled as general merchandise - including clothing - saw like-for-like sales fall 6.4% in the 13 weeks to September 27.

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George Davies, who founded Per Una in 2001, will step down as part-time chairman