Women's Open to drive Conte sales

A SCOTS clothing retailer who runs the only outlet in the UK for the upmarket Italian Conte of Florence golfing brand is hoping for a sales boost from this week's Women's British Open at Carnoustie.

David Laing said the fashion label - worn by Italian golfer Diana Luna, along with Scottish professional Lloyd Saltman and Swede Robert Karlsson - is the clothing partner for the tournament, with its garments being worn by course officials.

He added: "Our Conte of Florence store in Edinburgh is the only one in the UK to stock the clothes. After Robert Karlsson won the Dubai Open in December, we had a flurry of orders and the company will be advertising at Carnoustie with details of our store."

Since launching the shop in August, Laing has already diversified into mail order and is planning an online store.

Gordon Merrylees, regional managing director for RBS Business Banking, which backed the firm, said: "David has shown persistence and determination to get the business up and running and our support simply reflects his professionalism."