Dixons has hailed its comprehensive restructuring programme for improving the group’s fortunes to such an extent that not only was customer satisfaction and profitability up considerably year on year, but the group also posted an underlying profit for the first time in six years.

In an “encouraging” first half, the group saw like-for-like sales rise 6%, with UK and Ireland delivering a five-fold rise in operating profit.

Sebastian James, chief executive commented: “I am very happy that, in the last few months, we have been able to streamline the group substantially. The transactions that we have announced with PIXmania, Unieuro and Electroworld in Turkey represent a real achievement and will leave Dixons in a leadership position in all of our major markets. Quite apart from removing a significant profit-drag on the business, these changes mean that we can really focus on new and exciting opportunities to do more for our customers and suppliers, and on working more closely to drive tangible benefits from being part of our group.

“We remain cautious about the outlook for consumers in our markets; very strong trading this time last year, together with the fact that we have now annualised Comet's exit makes the second half more challenging. Nevertheless, we have had a great first half and our stores have never looked better - or had better offers for customers."