Supermarket giant Tesco's seemingly relentless march towards domination of the UK retail market seems to be continuing after the announcement of yet more vast increases in its profits.

But experts say the results will not trouble its rival, Bradford-based Morrisons, too much as it looks to concentrate on the grocery market.

In its interim results for the half-year up to August 26, Tesco reported a 12.7 per cent increase in sales and a 10.3 per cent growth in profits to £1.09 billion. One of Tesco's main areas of growth was in online sales, which bore a profit increase of 43.1 per cent.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported how Tesco's market share had grown to 31.4 per cent, while Morrisons had slipped to 11 per cent, trailing behind Asda and Sainsbury.

But industry commentators said they did not think Morrisons would be unduly perturbed by the results.

Rob Kilner, of West Yorkshire stockbroker Redmayne Bentley, said: "It is difficult to compare the two - Morrisons is a very different animal to Tesco. I imagine this latest set of results will not have come as a massive surprise to the Morrisons board.

"They will more concerned with getting their own house in order as opposed to competing with Tesco. They do seem to be on the road to recovery and their optimisation plan to cut costs appears to be on track."

Clive Black, of London stockbroker Shore Capital, agreed, saying: "With a major new store opening programme, none of Tesco's competitors can relax with respect to its competitive challenge.

"Morrison has the luxury, to a degree, of rebuilding sales with modest pressure on delivering profits at present."

Last month Morrisons reported a return to profitability after an uneasy two years of profit warnings and losses.

New chief executive Marc Bolland is conducting a review, looking at areas for improvement and expansion.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

Plan to triple size of premises

One of Tesco's next major moves will be the rebuilding of its store in Cleckheaton which it wants to triple in size.

The move follows its failed attempt to develop a new store on St Peg Lane in the town after rival Asda recently gained permission to build a new store nearby.

Tesco gave Cleckheaton residents the chance to have a say on its plans for its revamped Northgate store after displaying them at the Town Hall.