Latest news with #LauraMcGuire
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Family favourite Italian restaurant chain reveals six exact locations shutting – see the full list
A POPULAR restaurant chain has revealed it's closing six of its locations across the UK. Italian chain Gusto said yesterday it would have to close its "economically unviable" restaurants as part of a deal to save the brand. 1 It is being taken over by private equity investment firm Cherry Equity Partners through a pre-pack administration process. This is an insolvency process for a business to sell its assets before appointing administrators. Gusto has now announced which of its 13 sites are set to shut for good. They are: Alderley Edge Cookridge Edinburgh Heswall Leeds Newcastle. The sites remaining open are: Liverpool (Albert Dock) Birmingham Cheadle Knutsford Manchester Nottingham Oxford. The closures mean 190 jobs will be lost but a further 300 will be saved. Paul Moran, chief executive of Gusto Restaurants, said yesterday: "We are profoundly sorry to see six of our restaurants close and are tremendously grateful for the support of our staff and our loyal customers at these locations over the years… "This investment marks an important step forward for Gusto, ensuring the future of the business and putting in place a strong and stable platform upon which we can start to grow the business again." Huge restaurant chain 'up for sale' putting 70 sites at risk of closure Gusto offers classic Italian meals including pastas and sourdough pizzas. It also hosts Italian-style bottomless brunches and pizza-making experiences. What does it mean when a company goes into administration? ADMINISTRATION is when all control of a company is passed to an appointed to a licensed insolvency practitioner. It doesn't necessarily mean the end of the business. Instead, administrators will try to help a company find ways to repay debts or solve its cashflow problems. Administration can last anywhere from a few weeks to up to a year or more. But if the administration process can't rescue the company or find a new owner, this can lead to liquidation. Liquidation is the process of selling all assets and then dissolving the company completely. Restaurants and pubs have been struggling after a series of challenges in recent years. They've cited the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and increasing taxes on businesses for increasing closures and chains collapsing into administration. One of the latest chains to crash into administration was Busaba Eathai, which was created by the founder of Wagamama. The Thai chain had operated 16 restaurants at its peak but this was reduced to 12 following a CVA in 2020. Posh chain Oakman Inns & Restaurants also said it would close six sites and transfer a further 12 as part of its administration. It blamed the hangover from the pandemic and elevated interest rates. Plus, BrewDog announced it would close 10 sites last week - including its flagship branch in Aberdeen. The pub chain already closed six sites at the start of the year following a £63million loss. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I thought I'd never get a mortgage after broadband firm ruined my credit score – you could make the same mistake I did
The mark was added to my credit score due to EE's error - but I made a big mistake too TAKING CREDIT I thought I'd never get a mortgage after broadband firm ruined my credit score – you could make the same mistake I did WHEN a letter from a debt collector demanding £120 for an unpaid bill landed on my doorstep last September, I thought it was a scam. I always pay my bills on time and other outgoings such as electricity and council tax are in my partner's name. 1 The Sun's Laura McGuire shares three steps which can help if you find yourself in a similar situation But then I discovered my old broadband provider EE had failed to cancel my old contract for a 5G router after I moved house a few months before. At the time I had called EE and said I wanted to take out a new contract, which they had agreed to but they kept billing my old address even though I had told them I'd moved. The situation left a black mark on my credit score, and it would take 10 years before it would be scrubbed off. I saw my credit score fall from fair to poor and started worrying I wouldn't be able to get a mortgage or a credit card. I also worried about whether I should pay the £120, even though I didn't owe the money. I spoke to EE who said they would listen to my original call and get back in touch - but they didn't. When I rang several weeks later, they said that the original call had been lost. They agreed to stop billing me but said I would need to settle the £120 with the debt collection company. A few months later I got a letter from the debt collection firm saying my account had been closed and I thought the issue had been resolved. But I soon discovered that my credit rating had fallen to poor and a mark had been left on my file. Such marks can stay on your file for up to six years. This is where I made my mistake. I didn't realise that EE should've removed the mark and I didn't know I could challenge it. Instead, I started trying to improve my score by doing things such as joining the electoral register. Registering to vote helps lenders verify your name and address, reduces the risk of fraud and makes it easier to get credit. I also ensured that I paid off all my other debt, such as payments I was spreading out on my Buy Now Pay Later. . Paying your monthly credit card bills or loan and mortgage repayments on time shows lenders that you are a reliable borrower and ultimately boosts your credit score. But still my poor score didn't move. When I contacted the EE press office, they apologised quickly. They said the debt had been wiped and helped remove the mark. It also paid me a £50 gesture of goodwill for the poor customer service it had offered. My credit score has now improved to fair, but there are ways to resolve mistakes. How to boost your credit score Your credit score gives an overall picture of how responsible you are with money. The score shows lenders whether you've been a reliable borrower in the past. If you've never used credit before you may have a low credit score and struggle to get accepted for credit. To boost your credit score, show lenders you are a stable, reliable individual by registering to vote. Being on the electoral roll confirms your address to lenders so can significantly boost your credit score – it can add 50 points, according to Experian. Get a copy of your credit report – you can get one for free from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion – and check it for mistakes. Make sure your personal details are correct and that any missed payments or black marks on your file are correct. If there are mistakes, ask the financial firm involved to correct them or ask for a note to be put on your file explaining them. Finally, consider getting a credit builder credit card. These are designed for people with poor or limited credit histories. This means you are more likely to be accepted but the interest rate may be higher and the credit limit lower than on mainstream cards. Some of these cards come with rewards too. HOW TO CHALLENGE A CREDIT MISTAKE If you think there is a mistake on your credit file and the company will not remove it, then you can complain to credit reference agencies. There are three main ones in the UK - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union - and there is also a service called Check My File, which lists all three. They have 28 days to remove the item or tell them why they don't agree with you. DON'T BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND Receiving a letter from a debt collection agency is never pleasant, but it is important to get proactive and tackle the issue straight away. Ignoring it can result in a rising debt pile or even a court judgement against you and further financial penalties. Letters from collectors are often vague and do not directly state how much you owe or who you owe it to. So picking up the phone, and establishing what has happened can help you get the ball rolling. KEEP A PAPER TRAIL Like many other telecoms providers, EE mainly handles complaints and queries over the phone, not via email or letter. This can create a number of problems, as you may easily forget what you said in a call or important dates. If you find yourself in a similar circumstance, I would recommend emailing or sending a letter of complaint to the company. Include as much detail as possible, as this can act as proof if you chose to take the issue further, such as contacting the ombudsman.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Award-winning brewery that supplies beer across UK to shut forever as punters lament loss of ‘crowd favourite'
Plus we explain what is happening to the hospitality industry GLASS HALF EMPTY Award-winning brewery that supplies beer across UK to shut forever as punters lament loss of 'crowd favourite' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN AWARD-winning brewery that supplies beer across the UK is to shut forever as punters lament the loss of a "crowd favourite". The owners explained that they had done everything they could to avoid closure. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An award-winning brewery that supplies beer across the UK is to shut forever as punters lament the loss of a "crowd favourite" Credit: Alamy 2 Brighton Bier has sadly announced it has ceased trading Credit: brightonbierbrewery/Instagram Brighton Bier was established in 2012 and quickly become a staple in the local craft beer scene. The brewery emphasised traditional brewing methods while incorporating innovative techniques to create unique brews that stood out in the crowded market. However, the independent brewery has sadly announced it has ceased trading on its social media page. A statement reads: 'We are sad to announce that Brighton Bier has ceased trading. 'This does not affect Brighton Bierhaus, Haus on the Hill, The Drop or West Tap. 'These are all separate businesses and will continue to trade as normal. 'We have fought hard and done everything we possibly could to avoid reaching this point. 'Sadly market pressures with reduced margins, high costs, and increases in price of materials, combined with the current economic conditions has forced us to close the brewery. 'We would like to thank all our customers over the years. It has been a pleasure working with you and we thank you for your support.' People have shared their sadness at the news, saying it will be missed. Oldest brewery in America set to close after 127 years is saved despite 'declining sales' – as new owner revealed One poster commented: "Ah no sad news! Loved working with you guys and your beer was amazing. "Onwards and upwards for whatever you choose to do in the future." Another added: "Really sorry to hear this. Sending love and best wishes to everyone at the brewery." "Very sad to read. 8 Second Ride was the first beer on our taps and Freshman was always a crowd favourite, as well as all the brilliant stuff on cask. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans "Best of luck for the future to all those involved," added a third fan of the brewery. While another added: "Ow man this is a shame. My mum loved your Brighton stout." "Sorry to read this guys. Another local brewery we won't get to showcase," said another disappointed fan. Meanwhile, with the average price of a pint in the UK costing £5.17, knowing the locations of cheaper spots is handy. And an iconic alcoholic drink can be bought on tap for the first time - and we're revealing where you can get hold of it. Plus, The Sun's Cyann Fielding discovered a unique pub with a real beach in central London.
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major pub and restaurant chain with over 200 sites suddenly closes branch in shopping centre
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. LAST ORDERS Major pub and restaurant chain with over 200 sites suddenly closes branch in shopping centre Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR pub and restaurant chain has closed one of its branches in a blow to loyal locals. The Harvester restaurant in Bristol wrapped up business this week - with the chain claiming its closure is to 'make way for something new and exciting'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A popular Harvester restaurant in Bristol shut its doors on Sunday Credit: Google Maps 3 The restaurant was Bradley Stoke's Willow Brook Centre Credit: Alamy Situated in Bradley Stoke's Willow Brook Centre, the restaurant served locals for years. The team announced in a post on Facebook last Sunday: "Today we close our doors for the last time at Harvester Willow Brook. "It's a sad day for all the team involved. "We would like to thank all team, guests, friends and family for their support this week and always." One diner commented: "Thank you team Harvester for serving Bradley Stoke and surrounds over the years. "I hope you have all found jobs to go to." Another person wrote: "Good luck to all the team for the future. It is a sad day. Love to you all." One user wrote: "Hopefully it's made into a Spoons instead." The Harvester website displays a message which reads: "This restaurant is now closed. "We have now closed our doors as a Harvester restaurant to make way for something new and exciting. You can find your nearest Harvester by using our Find a Harvester page." It is not yet known what will replace the restaurant. Major UK pub chain announces sweeping closures & job losses What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans It comes as a beloved bar chain with more than 30 locations in the UK announced it closed one of its shopping centre venues after nine years of trading. The Cosy Club at Ipswich's Buttermarket Shopping Centre announced it made the "very difficult decision" to close its doors on May 31. Managing Director Lucy Knowles revealed it was no longer "financially viable" for the popular restaurant to stay open. "We're very disappointed that, after nine years trading, we have taken the very difficult decision to close Cosy Club Ipswich," Lucy said. She added: "This is only the second Cosy Club we've ever closed but, unfortunately, it wasn't financially viable for us to continue trading there. "We would like to thank all of our team for their spirit, professionalism, and hard work and all our fabulous customers for their support over the years." Despite the closure, food lovers in Ipswich can still dine at Loungers - which operates Cosy Club - after confirming that Marinero Lounger is still set to open. The new bar and restaurant will open on July 2 at the Waterfront, in the former Burton and Sons warehouse.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I visited a little-known supermarket where you can buy McDonald's and M&S surplus stock but it costs HALF the price
I got £30 worth of groceries for under £10 - see all the pictures of items you can buy from my visit to the shop CHECK IT OUT I visited a little-known supermarket where you can buy McDonald's and M&S surplus stock but it costs HALF the price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERYONE is feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout - but there's one retailer that is helping shoppers with bargain prices. I got nearly £30 worth of food for just £10 when I visited The Company Shop branch in Southampton. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The Sun's Laura McGuire visited Southampton's Company Shop to see how much she could save on her grocery shop 9 The till was loaded with loads of pricey branded goods - including McCains oven chips and a posh M&S pork loin - but the total came in at under a £10 9 Company Shop is packed with loads of popular treats like Twix bars - but they are packaged differently and often sold in bulk Credit: Solent 9 Company Shop stocks well known brands customers are familiar with such as Heniz Beanz Credit: Solent The retailer, which has 13 branches around the UK, has gone viral on TikTok for selling food from big name brands like Tesco, M&S, Asda and even McDonald's at mega cheap prices. The retailer buys up surplus stock - from well-known suppliers - that would otherwise be going to waste and sell it back to shoppers at a low price. Sometimes, products may also be sold in damaged packaging or broken slightly but the goods are completely safe to eat. Customers need to register for a free membership card to get inside the store and spend. To qualify, you need to be claiming means tested benefits - such as Pension Credit - or work in sectors such as the NHS or fire brigade. Locations include shops in Grimsby, Bradford, St Helens and Corby. The first thing I saw as I headed into the shop was a row of shelves stocking popular seasoning kits and sauces made by Tesco and Sainsbury's. These are a staple in my house, so you can imagine my joy when I spotted a Tesco Thai Style Red Curry Rice Bake Flavour Kit for 95p. These typically cost £1.85, so that is a saving of 90p. I made a weeks worth of sandwiches for just 30p - my hack means I have my lunch sorted whenever I need it, people think it's revolting but it saves me money I was impressed with all the meat on offer, even though I'm a veggie, I know how expensive adding protein to your shopping bill can be and I spotted loads of offers. A giant 2.27kg smoked catering bacon was scanning for £9, when I have seen it priced for £16 elsewhere. A litre of Yeo Valley milk normally costs over £2 but at Company shop it cost just 80p. The fruit and veg aisle was also stacked with fresh produce and M&S bread was available to buy for just 40p. What I bought when I visited The Company Shop HERE's what I bought versus how much they would've cost at my local supermarket: McCain's Home Chips Straight £2 instead of £4.30 Clementine 600g - £0.50 instead of £1.34 Mini Watermelon - £0.50 instead of £2.30 Gü Cookies N Cream Dessert - £1.75 instead of £3.75 M&S Pepper Crust Pork - £2.75 instead of £5 M&S Petit Pois and Carrots - £0.75 instead of £3.50 M&S New Potatoes Vegetables - £0.35 instead of £3.20 Yorkie Original 3x46 - £0.75 instead of £2.25 Custard Creams 600g - £0.50 instead of 65p Total saving: £16.44 TASTY TREATS No grocery shop is complete without adding a few sweet treats to your basket, so I was very eager to see what Company Shop had to offer. My eyes were immediately drawn to the massive 600g bags of orange flavoured Kit Kat's scanning for just £2. The Nestle chocolate is not in the typical red packaging you expect, but instead clear plastic bags. COMPANY SHOP LOCATIONS Bradford Corby Darlington Dudley Grimsby Leicester Long Eaton Middleton Renfrew Southampton Washington Wentworth (Barnsley) That's because a few in the package may be broken, but the snack is still completely safe to eat. You can't deny the saving too. Typically, a 160g multipack of the bars cost £2.20. But here, you get an extra 440g of food for 20p less. MCDONALD'S FREEZER FOOD Heading over the freezer aisle, I was so impressed to see McCains Home Cut chips scanning for just £2. These were once a favourite of mine, but the price has rocketed to over £4 at my local supermarket so I have steered clear of the crispy delight for a while. But there was one thing on my mind as I approached the frozen section of the store. Prior to my visit to Company Shop I heard rumours stores sold huge bags of frozen McDonald's food, like chips, nuggets and even the limited edition McRib. So I knew I needed to check for myself and see if it was true. To my surprise, I found a massive 1kg bag of Garlic Cheese bites for just £5. Sparks food at a budget price By Laura McGuire JANE WATTS, 67, is a retired NHS worker who has been shopping at the branch since it opened back in 2021. She tells The Sun she likes to visit the store about two or three times a week and finds it a great place to nab cheap washing powder and soap. One of her favourite shops is M&S and she finds the store is a great place to find Sparks food at a budget price. It is not only Jane who has been making a saving, over 13,000 people in the area have a membership with Company Shop. Better yet, the stores across the promises to sell food for at least 50% off what you would pay in store. The delicious side has not been on Maccie's menu for months so it was a surprise to see. McDonald's began its relationship with The Company Shop during the pandemic and gives food that would be going to waste to the retailer. In the past, customers have even spotted rare limited edition menu items in the stores long after it had been pulled from the fast food chain. That includes the famous McRib patties which were being sold for £2.50 per 1kg. If you live nearby a Company Shop and you're eligible to join, it seems like a no-brainer. But the only thing I worried about was whether I'd have enough freezer and cupboard space to stash items on a regular basis. Most of the produce is sold in bulk - but you could split it with a friend if you were worried about not having enough storage. The Sun has been told there are no current plans to open more Company Shops in the coming months. But the group also runs a sister organisation known as Community Shop, which run a further 14 locations across the UK. These stores are exclusively for people claiming means tested benefits and offers the chance to buy a grocery shop for a third of the price. Unlike, the Company Shop it also offers other services such as training and personal development and cafe serving discounted meals for the community. 9 A big bag of Kit Kat orange chocolate, some of the pieces may be broken but the treat tastes the same Credit: Solent 9 Yeo Valley milk scanning for 80p, a product that costs £1.95 at Waitrose Credit: Solent 9 Expect to see fancy meats - like this Morrisons slow cooked pork belly - in the chilled aisle. Credit: Solent 9 McDonald's gives food that would otherwise be going to waste to Company Shop, giving customers a chance to find frozen goodies from the Golden Arches Credit: Solent 9 Plenty of posh M&S grub to be found in the frozen aisle, including these Yorkshire Puddings for half off Credit: Solent
