SOUTH coast ski and surf-wear specialists Fat Face has denied rumours it is to float, saying it was concentrating on growing the business for now.

But the finalists in the Daily Echo backed Hampshire Business Awards admit a stock market entry could be on the agenda next year.

Expectations Fat Face would go public were raised by the appointment of former New Look chief Stephen Sunnocks - hired to take the company to the "next stage".

Mr Sunnocks made his name by developing New Look into a major high street player both in the UK and in France. He is £7m better off after taking the bargain fashion brand back into private hands.

He joins former Monsoon chief Louise Barnes and heavyweight former Dixons financial director Stuart Owens.

Fat Face - started in 1988 as a means of funding a skiing trip - currently has 87 stores. It employs 1,000 people nationwide, including more than 180 at its Havant head office. This week it reported profits up 59 per cent to £2.4m after tax.

"The team is now very strong should they want to float but they've really not decided," a spokesman said. "The media just love to get excited but next year they will be looking seriously at it."