
For decades Marks & Spencer was the most successful retailer in the world. Its clothes were a byword for affordable quality and its food halls pioneered ready-prepared meals. Then suddenly they were dowdy, the staff deserted in droves and the shares plummeted - but the annual...

For decades Marks & Spencer was unassailable. It was the most successful retailer in the world. Its clothes were a byword for affordable quality and its food halls pioneered ready-prepared meals. It cared for its staff, the City loved it - the company was the perfect British...

How did Marks & Spencer become Britain's most famous shop, most admired retailer and most successful business? And then why did it collapse so precipitously?