Sports Direct, which is controlled by Mike Ashley, has dismissed the former directors and senior management of House of Fraser, less than two months after buying the department store group from its administrators [Sports Direct bought the company out of administration for £90 million in August]. In a one-sentence announcement to the London Stock Exchange, Sports Direct said: "Following the collapse of House of Fraser on August 10 2018, and subsequent calls for an investigation into the circumstances of that collapse, the Company today announces that we have dismissed the former Directors and senior management of House of Fraser." Those departing the chain will include chief executive Alex Williamson.

Meanwhile, Ashley has been in talks with landlords around the country about rents as he aims to keep stores open. So far, 20 House of Fraser stores have been saved from closure, safeguarding about 3,500 jobs. However, outlets in Edinburgh, Hull and Swindon will shut after Ashley failed to agree terms with landlords. A fourth store, in Bath, is also at risk of closure.