Burton seeks name

Burton Group, the retailer which announced plans to demerge its Debenhams department stores operation last week, has launched a competition to decide the new name of its multiples businesses which include Burton Menswear, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop and Principles.

The competition is open to the public and the prize is a two-week holiday for two on a tropical island. Accommodation will be in a luxury hotel and the winner will be given pounds 1,000.

"We had said we would decide the name with a competition and this is just clarifying the rules," a Burton spokesperson said. The company said it retained the right to "alter develop, or build on a winning suggestion" in determining the ultimate name of the company, which also operates Racing Green and Evans stores.

Insiders say Mr Hoerner, a Mid-western American, might be keen on Nebraska plc. As the rules do not bar Burton employees from entering, he is free to send himself a suggestion. Entries must be received by 31 August. The winner will be decided by 10 September.

Entries in writing to: John Hoerner, chief executive, Burton Group, 10 Great Castle Street, London, W1N 7AD.