How our Kate became the woman who dresses Britain.

(From Derby Evening Telegraph)

Byline: Jill Gallone

THERE are people who, after great success whips them into a dynamic job in the heady metropolis of London, forget their roots, lose their regional accent and pretend the sleepy backwater from whence they came does not exist.

Not so Kate Bostock. "I am very proud of my roots," said Kate in a strong and pleasingly familiar local accent. "I love talking to the local press. It means more to me because I know my friends and family will see it. It gives me a greater sense of pride."

Kate is exceptionally warm, chatty and unhurried for someone who, you imagine, hardly has a minute to spare on any given day. She is described as the woman who dresses the nation, a fact she is happy to clarify.

"We have multi-million sales. Our volumes are very high. One in every GBP10 spent on clothing is at M&S."

She has helped to engineer the company's change of fortunes since being recruited to head up its womenswear section in 2004. In April, the company posted a 5.1 per cent increase in sales, well above expectations. It was driven by a strong performance in clothing.

Kate, now in her early 50s, happily married and with two grown-up sons, has reason to smile.

She is living proof that someone from an ordinary family who has a down-toearth, can-do attitude, fashion flair and sheer dedication can get …