
Italian restaurant Gusto on the brink of administration
If the deal were to go through, it would likely see the business take over most of Gusto's sites, but would also see job losses.
Gusto is heading for administration, reports suggest
Sky News reports that a deal is expected to be announced in the coming days, according to insiders.
The restaurant sector has also recently seen some financial changes following the increase in the National Insurance levels for employers and an increase in the national minimum wage.
Across the UK, Gusto has 14 restaurants, in the likes of Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Oxford.
As well as locations in Alderly Edge, Cheadle Hulme, Cookridge, Didsbury, Heswall and Kuntsford.
Gusto's collapse comes after Matt Snell left his role as CEO of the business after more than seven years with the group and was replaced by Paul Moran.
Recommended Reading
Previously, in September 2020, Gusto completed a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) to save the business's future and save more than 600 jobs.
At the time of the CVA, Matt Snell said: "The last six months have been the most challenging in the history of our business. and the wider sector.
'The passing of the CVA is an important milestone, securing the future of the Gusto business and protecting more than 600 jobs.'
Gusto has been contacted for a comment.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
'Acute' lack of stock holds back out-of-town retail market
Savills has revealed that Scotland accounted for 6.3% (50) of all new UK retail warehouse openings in 2024, falling below the UK regional average of 72 and its own three-year average of 67. However, Savills said demands for this kind of retail space remains strong, reflecting a broader national pattern where supply is limited to failing tenant portfolios with no new space being developed. Scotland saw 39 deals for out-of-town warehouse space in the first half, with 22 in the first quarter and 17 in quarter two. Savills found the pace had slowed as the units that had become available because of the Carpetright and Homebase administrations were quickly re-let, meaning availability dropped again. The agent forecasts that, if the level of activity remains consistent, Scotland is on track to reach around 88 new lettings by year end – a 76% increase on last year. However, this highlights the distinction between appetite for space versus what will or can be achieved on actual supply levels. Mike Spens, director in the out-of-town retail team at Savills Scotland, said: 'There remains considerable appetite from out-of-town retail operators in Scotland, however with vacancy rates falling below the UK national average, an acute lack of stock is hampering further letting activity. Read more: 'For the space that is available, we are continuing to see upward pressure on rents in certain towns, and a competitive leasing environment, which was evident in Dunfermline when Wickes' interposed lease saw a 24% increase in the passing rent. 'With the shift in focus towards affordability and convenience, the region could be well-positioned to benefit from sustained demand throughout 2025 and beyond if the issue of supply can be resolved.' Savills found that the most active operator in the last 18 months has been Home Bargains, which acquired six units. The next most active have been B&M and Sainsbury's, which have each taken three. The Range acquired two former Homebase units at Auldhouse Retail Park in Glasgow and Craigleith Retail Park in Edinburgh. Wickes opened a newly built store at Westhill on the outskirts of Aberdeen and agreed an interposed letting over the Homebase unit at Halbeath Retail Park in Dunfermline prior to its Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). The trends in Scotland largely reflect the market for the UK as a whole, with Home Bargains, B&M and Sainsbury's among the top 15 most acquisitive operators for 2024 and 2025 so far on a national basis. Sam Arrowsmith, director in the research team at Savills, said: 'Our latest research highlights a critical shortage of available retail warehouse space, with vacancy rates at a historic low. This scarcity, coupled with a strong demand for out-of-town retail locations, has led to upward pressure on rental values. The recent Poundland restructure will only see approximately 50 units returned to the sector nationally. Not enough to satisfy the appetite demonstrated in Q1 take-up.'


Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Timeless' furniture, carpet & sofa brand to shut down in UK after 120 years as it launches ‘everything must go' sale
Massive discounts have been slapped on all stock DOORS CLOSING 'Timeless' furniture, carpet & sofa brand to shut down in UK after 120 years as it launches 'everything must go' sale Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S the final curtain call for a family-run furniture store that has been in business for 120 years. To mark the end of an era, Sturtons & Tappers has launched a huge 'everything must go' sale. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Loyal customers flocked to the store to find a bargain in the closing sale Credit: Sturtons & Tappers The renowned retailer is famous in Bournemouth for its timeless sofas, bespoke furniture, luxurious carpets, dining sets, lighting, and home accessories. For generations, Sturtons & Tappers has proudly furnished thousands of homes across the region – and now, it's all got to go! Director David, who has helped steer the shop's legacy, said it's a 'bittersweet moment'. "We've had the privilege of furnishing thousands of homes across generations, and while we're excited for the next chapter, we're incredibly grateful to all our loyal customers. "This sale is our way of saying thank you." He and Pauline Scott, as well as other colleagues, are looking forward to step into a "well-earned" retirement. With 'unprecedented discounts' now slashed across every inch of the store, a spokesperson warned: 'This is the public's last chance to snap up premium home furnishings at never-to-be-repeated prices.' In April 2025, independent retailers were delivered a fierce blow after employer National Insurance surged to 15 percent. The National Living Wage also rose to £12.21 an hour and business-rates relief dropped from 75 percent to 40 percent. Huge high street retailer makes Irish return with first shop opening five years after devastating eight store closure For millions of small businesses across the country, the changes were crippling. A massive drop in footfall on high streets has also taken a toll on shops across the UK. Around 26 percent of all shopping now takes place online, up sharply from pre-pandemic levels. To make things worse, bans on free parking and more expensive town centre fees are doing no favours to local shops. Rents, energy bills and card processing fees are another hurdle, with some paying 3 to 5 percent on card fees alone. In 2024, around 13,470 stores closed - a sharp 28 percent jump from 2023. A staggering 84 percent of those were independently run shops. It's not just smaller shops that are struggling. From well-known budget favourites like Poundland to popular fashion brands such as New Look and Monki, a raft of familiar names are set to disappear. The cost of running shops, from soaring energy bills to higher National Insurance, is pushing retailers to cut back. At the same time, more shoppers are going online, and with the cost-of-living crisis biting, people have less cash to spend. The result? Shops are closing, and high streets are starting to suffer. If you want to know which stores are shutting soon, we've got the full list right here. Apple Apple will close its two-floor Bristol city centre store in Cabot Circus on August 9, 2025 after 15 years. The closure comes as part of a redevelopment plan for Cabot Circus, which will replace the store with new flexible workspaces and public areas. GAME GAME is closing several UK stores this summer as part of a wider restructuring by parent company Frasers Group. Upcoming closures include Festival Place in Basingstoke on August 10, Southend High Street later in August, and Chatham in September. The Nottingham Victoria Centre store closed in July. Stores are running 20% off clearance sales ahead of closure. Hobbycraft As part of a major restructuring, arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft will close three stores in early August 2025. The affected locations are Bromborough, Southport, and Stratford Upon Avon. The closures follow a strategic review aimed at reshaping the business. Monki Monki, owned by H&M, is closing its Glasgow store in Buchanan Galleries in August. The retailer has already shuttered branches in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield, and London earlier this year. The online store has also closed, with the brand being integrated into H&M's Weekday line. One remaining Monki store in Bristol remains open but will either close later this year or be transformed into a new concept. New Look New Look is continuing its wave of store closures, with a branch in Neath, Wales, set to close imminently on August 6, 2025. This follows a string of 11 closures already this year, including sites in Hamilton, Birmingham, Corby, Devizes, and others across England, Scotland, and Wales. The high street stalwart has warned that nearly 100 of its 364 UK stores could be at risk when leases expire, amid ongoing cost pressures such as the National Insurance hikes earlier this year. The retailer recently secured £30million in fresh equity investment to bolster its online operations and completed a £100million refinancing deal in 2023. Last year, New Look reported sales of £769million. Poundland Poundland is closing 26 stores in August 2025 as part of a wider restructuring plan following its £1 sale to Gordon Brothers earlier this year. Closing August 1: Newquay Closing 10 August: Ammanford Birmingham Fort Cardiff Valegate Cramlington Leicester Long Eaton Port Glasgow Seaham Shrewsbury Tunbridge Wells Closing August 17: Bedford Bidston Moss Broxburn Craigavon Dartmouth East Dulwich Falmouth Hull St Andrews Newtonabbey Perth Poole Sunderland Stafford Thornaby Worcester In addition, the Whiteley store in Fareham closed unexpectedly on July 21 2025, outside the announced closures. Whitby will close on September 3. Poundland is trimming its estate from nearly 800 stores to between 650 and 700 locations. The company is removing frozen foods, ending online sales, and expanding womenswear and seasonal lines. Managing director Barry Williams called the closures regrettable but necessary to secure thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores.


Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis says people who had children in 32-year period could be entitled to £10,000 or more
HMRC had been sending letters to people who had children between 1978 and 2010 due to the error - not they have to check themselves Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anyone who had children during a 32-year period that they could be entitled to £10,000 or more in backdated tax payments due to an administrative blunder. The money-saving guru said people could be in line for enormous payouts - with one individual telling him she received £31,000. Posting on X last month, Mr Lewis declared: "State Pension error! Did you take time off wor k (1978 to 2010) to look after children or someone with long term disability? You could be owed £10,000s." He explained: "In brief: 100,000s wrongly have Nat Insurance gaps that reduce your State Pension as they should've got 'Home Responsibilities Protection'. The Govt was contacting people, but isn't any longer. Thus the onus is on YOU to proactively check." His intervention comes after HMRC ceased writing to potential victims, meaning individuals must now pursue claims independently. He explained: " This is about a state pension error. The reason that I'm doing it now is not because it's new - it isn't new - this has been around for quite a long time and the government were contacting the potentially hundreds of thousands of primarily women aged between 41 and 90 - it isn't only women it's primarily women and it'll generally be of that age. "They could be the victim of a state pension error that could mean they're owed a fortune. The government was contacting them but then Steve Webb former pensions minister got in touch with us, with me, and said 'they've stopped contacting them - they're no longer trying to rectify this'." Mr Lewis shared: "Cilla emailed us, "I've just received 15yrs' back pay from HMRC of £31,674 for underpayment of my pension. Thank you." HMRC is utilising National Insurance (NI) records to identify as many individuals as possible who might have been eligible for HRP between 1978 and 2010 and have no HRP on their NI record, sending out some correspondence. Accountants Robson Laidler have stated that individuals could be owed an average of £5,000 in backdated payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates it has underpaid between £300m and £1.5billion of state pension due to mistakes with the recording of Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP). HRP was a system created to help safeguard parents' and carers' entitlement to the State Pension and was superseded by NI credits from April 6, 2010. HMRC is trawling through National Insurance (NI) records to pinpoint individuals who might have been entitled to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) from 1978 to 2010 but don't have it on their record, and they're sending out letters to those affected. A spokesperson from Robson Laidler mentioned: "It is estimated tens of thousands of people are due an average of £5,000 in back payments. HMRC and DWP are also conducting a wider campaign to ensure that everyone who may be eligible is aware of the corrections exercise." HM Revenue and Customs has stated: "HMRC will send you a letter if we think you may have missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP). We want to help you make sure you receive the right amount of State Pension, so we're asking you to check if you were eligible for HRP between 1978 and 2010. You may have been eligible if you received Child Benefit for a child under 16." They added, "The letter will tell you how you can check if you're eligible to claim missing Home Responsibilities Protection and how to make a claim." Could a Missing HRP Record Affect Your State Pension? If HRP is missing from someone's NI record, it does not necessarily mean that their State Pension calculation is wrong, but it could be, especially if they took significant time-out from employment to raise a family. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury has stated: ' The State Pension is the foundation of state support for people in retirement. We are urging people to check their National Insurance records to make sure they will receive the pension they deserve.' Limited Records and Ongoing Repayments Unfortunately, HMRC delete child benefit claims after 5 years so they do not actually know who may be affected, they are contacting people who they think may be affected. Permanent Secretary, Peter Schofield has confirmed that the DWP has already paid out over £700 million and that the team are making good progress, despite a slow rate of individuals approaching the department about this issue. A Robson Laidler spokesperson said: "We would therefore advise checking your own NI records rather than waiting for a letter from DWP / HMRC to arrive. There is no time limit for applying for HRP if it has not been awarded. "Anyone who may have claimed Child Benefit before May 2000, when it was not mandatory to provide your National Insurance Number on your claim, may not have the correct number of years for State Pension purposes on their NI record, if you first made a claim after May 2000, you will not be affected." How to Check and Apply Before you start the online HRP check you will be asked if you have gaps in your National Insurance record. If you cannot find your National Insurance record online or do not know the answers to any of the questions, you can choose 'Do not know' and you'll be told how to get this information. Should you need to apply for HRP, or if you believe your record to be incorrect you should fill in form CF411 'application form Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)'. For more information or advice about your HRP application, you should contact HMRC here. Who can apply You may still be able to apply for HRP if, for full tax years (6 April to 5 April) between 1978 and 2010, you were either: sharing the care of a child under 16 with a partner you lived with and they claimed Child Benefit instead of you - you may be able to transfer their HRP caring for a sick or disabled person Article continues below You can also apply if, for a full tax year between 2003 and 2010, you were either: a foster carer caring for a friend or family member's child ('kinship carer') in Scotland If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010 Any HRP you had for full tax years before 6 April 2010 was automatically converted into National Insurance credits, if you needed them, up to a maximum of 22 qualifying years.