Companies That You Expect to Disappear Soon

[TheSmiths82]

I agree about Greene King being very varied and would never pay a premium for it, it was just this pub I went to in West End (Leicester Square) it was very better value than the near by Wetherspoons. It might not be a fair comparison though as it is probably the most expensive Wetherspoons outsider of an airport.

My local Greene King is very cheap for beer but a is also by far the roughest pub in the area, apart from a Holts.

 

[richw]

Compared to Five Guys, Wendy's is like free food! That's a whole different level, but has created a cult following to become the Apple of burger joints - and so people don't seem to complain about the prices, especially when they get so many extra chips for free! [And, yes, the food IS nice which obviously helps].

Five guys is a treat for me and the wife. I’m happy to pay their prices for a good burger. I personally think they’re one of the best burgers on the high street. Always find they taste good and hot and fresh. Their presentation is always decent too. They know that the prices they charge increase expectation and meet that expectation every time in my opinion.

McDonald’s on the other hand I think is too expensive for what they offer. They take no pride in presentation and quality isn’t good. Several franchises in my area have changed hands as the franchisees have run out of money. McDonald’s just finds a new one to take over so customers don’t notice unless they read the operated by sign, or the bottom of the receipt.

 

[AndrewE]

It [a Wetherspoons] certainly wasn't a cheap place to eat or drink before though!
(For those that aren't aware, it used to be a Secrets strip club before).

I wonder whether the interior decor pays tribute to the building's former uses? That would be fun! Maybe it's the local history of the town that most of them reference, but do some explain the building? (Of course, the ex- cinemas and theatres do! e.g. the Caley in Edinburgh and the Coliseum in Abergavenny. But this has now strayed off into different thread...)

 

[TheSmiths82]

I wonder whether the interior decor pays tribute to the building's former uses? That would be fun! Maybe it's the local history of the town that most of them reference, but do some explain the building? (Of course, the ex- cinemas and theatres do! e.g. the Caley in Edinburgh and the Coliseum in Abergavenny. But this has now strayed off into different thread...)

It looks rather bland inside, but with quite a few interesting photographs of Euston station before it awful building we have now existed.

 

[jon0844]

I wonder whether the interior decor pays tribute to the building's former uses? That would be fun! Maybe it's the local history of the town that most of them reference, but do some explain the building? (Of course, the ex- cinemas and theatres do! e.g. the Caley in Edinburgh and the Coliseum in Abergavenny. But this has now strayed off into different thread...

Let's just hope they washed the carpet...!

 

[AndrewE]

Let's just hope they washed the carpet...!

I would have hoped that the new bespoke / unique carpet (that Spoons seem to have in every establishment) would have been worth examining closely!

 

[Peter Sarf]

£2.80 a pint! Where are these crazy low prices?

Must be a spoons.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Braintree (Essex) based Connectix Cabling Systems, one of UK's largest manufacturers of Internet fibre optic cabling, issued a 9th November press release:

"Chancellor’s NI raid claims first victim: ‘We made it through Covid but cannot survive this Government’​

Connectix Cabling Systems to close British Factories as tax rises and minimum wage increase makes business unsustainable"

Chancellor’s NI raid claims first victim: ‘We made it through Covid but cannot survive this Government’

Connectix Cabling Systems to close British Factories as tax rises and minimum wage increase makes business unsustainable

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[jon81uk]

Braintree (Essex) based Connectix Cabling Systems, one of UK's largest manufacturers of Internet fibre optic cabling, issued a 9th November press release:

"Chancellor’s NI raid claims first victim: ‘We made it through Covid but cannot survive this Government’​

Connectix Cabling Systems to close British Factories as tax rises and minimum wage increase makes business unsustainable"

Chancellor’s NI raid claims first victim: ‘We made it through Covid but cannot survive this Government’

Connectix Cabling Systems to close British Factories as tax rises and minimum wage increase makes business unsustainable

www.telegraph.co.uk

But isn't a big part of the change in rates just reversing what Jeremy Hunt did a few years ago? So surely if they had a viable business during the pandemic it should be OK again now?

 

[JamesT]

But isn't a big part of the change in rates just reversing what Jeremy Hunt did a few years ago? So surely if they had a viable business during the pandemic it should be OK again now?

Hunt reduced the employees NI contribution, so the employer was still paying the same gross amount but the employee took home more. Reeves has increased the employers side, so unless their staff are willing to take pay cuts then the gross costs have increased.

 

[Sun Chariot]

But isn't a big part of the change in rates just reversing what Jeremy Hunt did a few years ago? So surely if they had a viable business during the pandemic it should be OK again now?

JamesT has clearly articulated why Reeves' policy is the more damaging to UK small + medium sized enterprises. Increasing the minimum wage too, has compounded the impact on many of those organisations.

My wife works for a medium sized UK retail multiple; and these two policies will push it from moderate profit into a hurtful loss. Job cuts will likely be their first option.

 

[jon81uk]

Hunt reduced the employees NI contribution, so the employer was still paying the same gross amount but the employee took home more. Reeves has increased the employers side, so unless their staff are willing to take pay cuts then the gross costs have increased.

Thanks, I mis-read a headline I think.

 

[Statto]

£2.80 a pint! Where are these crazy low prices?

Coach & Horses, Moreton (my regular boozer, aka Bighouse, it was the Bighouse back in the day too), tends to be standard draught beers, but they have all the sports on

 

[route101]

Five guys is a treat for me and the wife. I’m happy to pay their prices for a good burger. I personally think they’re one of the best burgers on the high street. Always find they taste good and hot and fresh. Their presentation is always decent too. They know that the prices they charge increase expectation and meet that expectation every time in my opinion.

McDonald’s on the other hand I think is too expensive for what they offer. They take no pride in presentation and quality isn’t good. Several franchises in my area have changed hands as the franchisees have run out of money. McDonald’s just finds a new one to take over so customers don’t notice unless they read the operated by sign, or the bottom of the receipt.

I had a five guys at the weekend, there was something about it compared to how it was when it first came to UK. I think they rush the orders out now as the cheese is never melted with on top of the burger on the grill, burger king is bad for this. Secondly, I my burger was quite pink in the middle which I've never had from five guys. Np problem its beef after all.

 

[simonw]

I had a five guys at the weekend, there was something about it compared to how it was when it first came to UK. I think they rush the orders out now as the cheese is never melted with on top of the burger on the grill, burger king is bad for this. Secondly, I my burger was quite pink in the middle which I've never had from five guys. Np problem its beef after all.

If the burger is made of mince then pink is a problem, unlike steak.

 

[richw]

I had a five guys at the weekend, there was something about it compared to how it was when it first came to UK. I think they rush the orders out now as the cheese is never melted with on top of the burger on the grill, burger king is bad for this. Secondly, I my burger was quite pink in the middle which I've never had from five guys. Np problem its beef after all.

That doesn’t reflect my experiences. Although I’ve only eaten in one branch on multiple visits, so can’t comment on the consistency to other branches.

 

[Mojo]

Further from the discussion at the end of August in this thread, Homebase are apparently “preparing to appoint administrators” with shops at risk.

It is understood the popular DIY and garden chain will appoint administrators from Teneo to manage the process.

Despite the risk of closures, Sky News reports that The Range is floating purchasing 75 stores as part of a pre-pack administration.

This is part of an insolvency process which allows a business to sell its assets before making the decision to appoint admnistrators.

However, this move has yet to be confirmed but could save up to 1,500 jobs at Homebase.

Store closures alert: Homebase on brink of collapse as 130 shops at risk of shutting down

UK high streets have been hit hard by store closures with Homebase being the latest retailer to close sites

www.gbnews.com

 

[Cross City]

If the burger is made of mince then pink is a problem, unlike steak.

Kinda depends but yeah pink burgers from a big chain like 5 Guys would arouse my suspicion because there's no way they can implement the procedures needed top have safe pink mince beef at the volume they do.

 

[Towers]

Further from the discussion at the end of August in this thread, Homebase are apparently “preparing to appoint administrators” with shops at risk.

Store closures alert: Homebase on brink of collapse as 130 shops at risk of shutting down

UK high streets have been hit hard by store closures with Homebase being the latest retailer to close sites

www.gbnews.com

I saw this reported this morning and thought “What, again?!”…

 

[D6130]

The Post Office.

 

[skyhigh]

Further from the discussion at the end of August in this thread, Homebase are apparently “preparing to appoint administrators” with shops at risk.

Store closures alert: Homebase on brink of collapse as 130 shops at risk of shutting down

UK high streets have been hit hard by store closures with Homebase being the latest retailer to close sites

www.gbnews.com

The current rumour is that The Range are going to purchase the brand, website operation and around 70 stores, which will continue operating under Homebase branding (in a similar manner to Wilko). So the brand won't disappear.

There is also reportedly significant interest in the remainder of the store estate from others such as B&M, Aldi/Lidl etc.

While I expect there will be some job losses, I suspect that the vast majority of employees will continue in similar employment to their current situation.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

The Post Office.

Are you saying that the Post Office is a company that you expect to disappear soon? Or that maybe that a smallish percentage of their branches across the UK are to close?

 

[D6130]

Are you saying that the Post Office is a company that you expect to disappear soon? Or that maybe that a smallish percentage of their branches across the UK are to close?

According to the BBC News website today (Sorry....can't do a quote) up to 115 Crown post offices could be closed under their reorganisation plans....which just happens to be the number of Crown post offices which are currently open.

 

[route101]

Kinda depends but yeah pink burgers from a big chain like 5 Guys would arouse my suspicion because there's no way they can implement the procedures needed top have safe pink mince beef at the volume they do.

Yes, first time at five guys for pink burger. I have had pink burgers from GBK in the past but I thought they had stopped that.

 

[RAPC]

Five guys is a treat for me and the wife. I’m happy to pay their prices for a good burger. I personally think they’re one of the best burgers on the high street. Always find they taste good and hot and fresh. Their presentation is always decent too. They know that the prices they charge increase expectation and meet that expectation every time in my opinion.

McDonald’s on the other hand I think is too expensive for what they offer. They take no pride in presentation and quality isn’t good. Several franchises in my area have changed hands as the franchisees have run out of money. McDonald’s just finds a new one to take over so customers don’t notice unless they read the operated by sign, or the bottom of the receipt.

Interesting views, as I know both chains quite well from dealings with both businesses.

Five Guys in the UK is priced at a premium, but many locations are now struggling due to the pricing, especially outside of the south east. Agree completely about the quality, but their pricing now has moved them beyond a treat for some of their previous customers. It is something they are having to address quite urgently, with decisions to be made on quite a few leases coming up in 2025.

McDonald's is actually the best performing of all of the UK restaurant chains, but still seeing a decline in overall numbers. Not sure where you got the information from about franchisees having run out of money. McDonald's is run on 20 year franchisee agreements and there is a turnover as older franchisees plan to exit the system. I've worked alongside their franchisee system and with the exception of a couple of newer franchisees being encouraged to hand back franchisees due to their poor performance of a location, there hasn't been a turnover of franchises due to the franchisee running out of money, just planned replacements. Getting a McDonald's franchise takes circa 12 months from passing the initial application, so it isn't a quick process, or one where they have potential franchisees waiting patiently for someone to go broke - it is a well planned transition.

 

[D365]

I’ve started a thread for discussion of Homebase administration here.

 

[richw]

McDonald's is actually the best performing of all of the UK restaurant chains, but still seeing a decline in overall numbers. Not sure where you got the information from about franchisees having run out of money. McDonald's is run on 20 year franchisee agreements and there is a turnover as older franchisees plan to exit the system. I've worked alongside their franchisee system and with the exception of a couple of newer franchisees being encouraged to hand back franchisees due to their poor performance of a location, there hasn't been a turnover of franchises due to the franchisee running out of money, just planned replacements.

I worked for Mcds for a period of 7 years in shift management positions, at different stores. In that time two franchisees I worked for sold to another franchisee due to finances. The second had 5 years left and couldn’t justify the expenditure for store refreshes demanded of him. The first one was losing money hand over fist and only had one store

 

[RAPC]

I worked for Mcds for a period of 7 years in shift management positions, at different stores. In that time two franchisees I worked for sold to another franchisee due to finances. The second had 5 years left and couldn’t justify the expenditure for store refreshes demanded of him. The first one was losing money hand over fist and only had one store

I've seen that happen where Franchisees have overstretched on expansion and were hit when interest rates started rising, which impacted the borrowing via HSBC who finance most of the McDonald's franchises. I believe that McDonald's have tightened up on the Franchisee application process post-covid, as they always had a reputation for being an easy way for people to make money. (Which it was at the time, for the good ones). A one store franchisee is likely to have been an example of someone who probably wouldn't get through the recruitment process now.

I spent a bit of time earlier this year working with a number of the franchisee groups and I think it is fair to say that in terms of pride in presentation and quality, for some it was very much their primary objective. For a few though, it was more about financial efficiency. No surprises though that the ones who were more successful were actually the ones doing the right things in the right way, rather than the ones trying to cut their way to a better financial outcome.

 

[gg1]

Typhoo Tea's days look numbered. Can't say I'm entirely surprised, they were always my least favourite of the main UK tea brands.

Typhoo Tea is set to appoint administrators as the 120-year old brand's sales slump, losses widen and debts rise.

The company's losses widened to £38m from £9.6m in the year to the end of September 2023, which are the most recent results available. Sales fell to to £25.3m from £33.7m.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yr22qq5q8o

 

[Donny Dave]

Typhoo Tea is set to appoint administrators as the 120-year old brand's sales slump, losses widen and debts rise.
The company has filed a notice at court "which affords the company some breathing space to explore solutions", Typhoo's chief executive Dave McNulty told the BBC.
The firm has been trying to turn itself around for some time.
However, it suffered a setback after trespassers damaged its former factory in Moreton, Merseyside last year.
"Given the delicate nature of this we are not in a position to comment any further," said McNulty.
He added that the "notice of intent" is to appoint accountancy firm EY to handle the process.

Typhoo Tea teeters on the brink of administration

The loss-making firm is attempting a turnaround amid a break-in and fire at its former factory.

www.bbc.co.uk

Not the best brand of tea (IMO), so I don't think it will be a great loss.