Out of fashion: Ted Baker confirms probe as sales in the third quarter take a dip

Ted Baker, the fashion firm with Scottish roots, has reported a dip in third-quarter sales and confirmed that Herbert Smith Freehills will conduct a probe into harassment allegations levelled at chief executive Ray Kelvin. The under-fire group said the law firm will carry out an “independent external investigation” after a petition emerged calling on the fashion brand to “end harassment”, accusing Kelvin of enforcing a “hugging” culture. Herbert Smith will report to a committee of the group’s non-executive directors which will be chaired by Sharon Baylay.