A Chinese supplier to LK Bennett has stepped into the battle to buy the chain from administrators.

Companies House filings show that the two directors of Byland UK are Feng Kangjie and Zhou Cuiqiong, whose company is understood to act as a significant supplier to the retailer from their base in the Far East.

Byland UK has tabled the highest-value offer for LK Bennett, according to an insider, The Dune Group is in second place, but by a long way off. Mike Ashley is still in the mix. Philip Day, The billionaire owner of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group has announced that they have withdrawn from the race to acquire LK Bennett out of administration.

The company employs 480 staff in the UK across 39 stores, 37 concessions and its London head office.