Philip and Emma Bier were celebrating this week after selling their stake in the chain of Tiger stores in a multi-million pound deal.

The Jewish couple – he is Danish, she grew up in Liverpool – discovered Tiger on trips to Copenhagen to visit family, and thought it would do a roaring trade on UK high streets.

Eleven years and 44 shops later, the Biers, who live in north London, have reaped the rewards of creating one of the fastest growing retail brands in the country.

Founded in Denmark as a kind upmarket Scandinavian pound shop, the British version has proved irresistible to shoppers in love with its mix of quirky lifestyle products.

Philip, who previously ran a photography business and whose sister Suzanne directed the BBC drama series, The Night Manager, is now considering a move into local politics. Emma is considering returning to her earlier career in interior design.