The chairman of Carpetright, Lord Harris of Peckham, is stepping into a full time role at the company following the announcement that Darren Shapland would be leaving the business with immediate effect. The news came as Carpetright warned that annual profits would not meet expectaions by a “significant” amount.

Lord Harris of Peckham said: "I am disappointed that Darren Shapland, who has made a significant contribution to Carpetright over the last 17 months, is leaving the business, but he does so with our thanks and we wish him well for the future.

"I am enthusiastic about tackling the challenges that the business continues to face in these difficult economic times and pleased that Graham Harris will be working alongside me as Chief Operating Officer, having already made a strong contribution to the Group since joining us earlier this year.  I shall also be working with the Board to develop longer term management succession arrangements."