N Brown group has reported a steady Rise in profits in its first half as gross margins suffered from currency fluctuations. In the 26 weeks to August 27, the retailer saw a 1.8 per Cent rise in overall adjusted pre-tax profits to £32.2 million, while overall revenues jumped 5.6 per cent to £453.4 million. The company’s key performer was its Simply Be fascia, which saw sales jump 21 per cent, while JD Williams and Jacamo also saw rises of 12.1 per cent and 6.7 per cent respectively