TGI Fridays’ UK chain up for sale a month after changing hands: The future of TGI Fridays’ British operations has been thrown into fresh doubt just a month after the casual dining chain was bought by the manager of most of the brand’s global operations. Sky News reports that advisory firm Interpath has been appointed to explore strategic options for TGI Fridays’ UK business, which comprises 49 sites and employs almost 2,000 people. Interpath has begun contacting potential investors in the last few days about a potential deal. It comes just a few weeks after TGI Fridays in the UK was acquired by Sugarloaf TGIF Management, a company run by the chain's former chief executive, Ray Blanchette. In a statement issued to Sky News, Phil Broad, president, TGI Fridays International Franchising, said: “The directors of TGI Fridays UK can confirm they are working closely with independent advisors to explore all available options for securing the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK. Since assuming control last month, our priority has been to protect jobs, support our employees, and continue to deliver the welcoming, celebratory experience guests expect from TGI Fridays. These discussions are progressing constructively, and we will provide further updates when appropriate.” TGI’s British chain was previously sold just over a year ago to Calveton UK and Breal Capital, two investment firms which are said to have stabilised the business’s performance. Earlier this month, Propel revealed that Sugarloaf TGIF Management had hired Giles Fry, the founder of neighbourhood-style bar and kitchen concept Snug Bars, to lead the UK arm of the business. Fry, who sold his Snug Bars business to South London bar operator Tequila Mockingbird earlier this summer, was appointed chief operating officer of TGI Fridays UK. Fry, who was previously a general manager at TGI, was joined in the company’s new management team by Jonathan Grenville Grey (JGG) as operations director of Sugarloaf and the UK. Grenville Grey was previously operations director at Snug Bars. TGI Fridays features in the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality, which is one of six databases exclusive to Premium Club members. The latest edition features 1,209 companies. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

BBPA – ‘relief’ that government has ditched its flagship workers’ rights bill policy: The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has called it a “relief” that the government has ditched its flagship workers’ rights bill policy. Downing Street is to remove the right to protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment and replace it with a six-month threshold. The move comes after the business secretary Peter Kyle told businesses at the CBI conference that he would listen to concerns about the effects of the law change on hiring. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “After a challenging Budget, the employment rights bill has been adding to anxiety, so the decision to remove this clause will be a relief to many brewers and publicans who might otherwise have been cautious about taking on new staff. We now call on government to work with the BBPA and other trade sectors to further improve the bill, retain flexibility and to avoid unintended consequences.”

Greene King CEO – the Budget leaves pubs with little room to invest to create jobs, grow and drive their local economies: Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, has said following the Budget, the government has failed to deliver sufficient support around business rates and “ultimately it leaves pubs with little room to invest to create jobs, grow and drive their local economies”. Mackenzie said: “Pubs are crying out to be backed by the government, and it is disappointing that has not happened in this Budget. Government has failed to deliver sufficient support around business rates and ultimately it leaves pubs with little room to invest to create jobs, grow and drive their local economies. Combined with the continued layering of other cost rises, including alcohol duty and above inflation wage rises, the cost of running a pub has once again gone up before publicans have even opened their doors. It is now more important than ever for the government to listen to pubs across the country and fundamentally reform business rates to create the fair system it has promised in its manifesto.” Richard Lewis, chief executive of Redcat Hospitality, said the Budget was a “missed opportunity to support growth and investment in hospitality”. He said: “We are a key driver of the economy, creator of jobs, and the beating hearts of our communities. Whilst we are in a fortunate position with our own business and are optimistic about the future, what would help us further would be for the government to recognise the mounting burdens on hospitality businesses up and down the country. This was an opportunity to help the sector invest to grow and create new jobs. This Budget will hamper growth and investment for many and therefore put jobs and livelihoods at risk – and all this against the backdrop of the U-turn to introduce a ‘tourist tax’, undoubtedly a move that will make holidaying in the UK more expensive for domestic and international travellers. If the chancellor truly wants to support this vital industry and in doing so stimulate growth in every corner of the UK, then we require business rates reform, amendments to employer national insurance contributions, and a cut to VAT for hospitality. And we need it soon.” The Scottish Hospitality Group said: “Rachel Reeves has again done nothing to help the sector, as it continues to crumble under the weight of impossible costs”.