It comes after weeks of criticism from pub bosses, industry chiefs and politicians over changes to business rates in the Budget.

The Cambridge-based business saw shares slide in early trading as it pointed towards ‘limited visibility’ regarding future trading.

The hospitality group expects an impact of around £35 million a year, having previously said this could be up to £50 million.

The retailer reported that total revenues lifted by 6.3% over the six weeks to December 28.

Dolf van den Brink said he will leave the company, which also brews Amstel and Birra Moretti, at the end of May.

Shares in the business have risen by more than a third in the past year.

The sportswear giant’s tech boss told the Press Association it believes AI is ‘the future of how people will shop’.

Monthly UK GDP (gross domestic product) is expected to have risen by 0.2% in November.

Shares in the company dipped as it also pointed towards a loss in its troubles chemicals and products division.

Insolvency bosses have indicated that changes to business rates and higher labour costs could put many high-street businesses at further risk.

The overall number of pubs in England and Wales fell to 38,623 from 38,989 a year earlier.

Simon Roberts has been made a CBE for services to the retail industry.

A raft of major UK retail and hospitality brand shut down stores across the UK this year, amid pressure on consumer finances and rising costs.

Figures from retail technology specialists MRI Software showed footfall up to 1pm on Christmas Eve was up 2.4% year-on-year.

The travel retail specialist confirmed last week it is being investigated by the UK’s financial watchdog after it overstated North American profits.

The billionaire boss, who runs the betting giant alongside her brother, received a £104 million salary and significant dividend payments.

Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, which runs TGI Fridays’ UK operations, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on December 19.

The brand, which counts Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad among its investors, will shut its Southampton venue as a result.

In August, Associated British Foods (ABF) struck a deal to buy the 135-year-old business from US private equity owner Endless.

Here the Press Association looks at what the decision means and what the Bank of England expects to happen to the economy.