Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business.
Image Source : Mitchell Labiak
Hostmore Seeks Buyer for 87 Restaurants Amid Mounting Debt and Uncertain Future
The UK arm of TGI Fridays has entered administration, putting 4,500 jobs in jeopardy as the chain's owner, Hostmore, battles with mounting debt and significant financial losses. A total of 87 TGI Fridays restaurants across the country have been listed for sale, as Hostmore seeks to secure the future of the brand and prevent widespread closures.
The hospitality company hopes to complete a sale by the end of September, aiming to keep the popular American-inspired chain operating and safeguard jobs. Despite the situation, Hostmore has assured that all current TGI Fridays locations remain open and continue to function as usual.
Sale Process Faces Challenges Amid Debt Woes
Earlier this month, Hostmore announced that the sale process for the restaurant chain had reached an "advanced stage." However, the company warned that it is unlikely to "recover any meaningful value" from its assets, with leading offers coming in below the firm’s outstanding debt. This suggests that Hostmore may suffer financial losses even if a sale is finalized.
A spokesperson for Hostmore reiterated that no decision has been made to close any of the existing restaurants, stating, "The sale process remains ongoing, and TGI Fridays continues to operate normally across the country."
Hostmore had previously attempted to acquire the U.S. operator of TGI Fridays for £177 million, but the deal fell through, further complicating the company’s financial outlook.
Casual Dining Chains and UK High Streets Struggling
TGI Fridays is the latest casualty in the ongoing struggles faced by casual dining chains and retail businesses across the UK. Many companies have been forced to downsize or shut down entirely, amid shrinking High Street footfall and the lingering financial impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
According to data from PwC, an average of 18 chemists, 16 pubs, and nine banks closed every week between January and June this year, highlighting the wider difficulties confronting the hospitality and retail sectors.
Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya MadhushaniJade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Fashion.
Image Source : Jasmine Sandhar
From Healing to High Fashion: How Shonagh Murray's Knitting Journey Led to London Fashion Week
Knitwear season may be upon us, but for Birmingham based designer Shonagh Murray, it’s a passion that lasts all year. The 26 year old made her debut at London Fashion Week (LFW) this month, showcasing her bold knitted designs in one of the world's most prominent fashion events.
Shonagh’s love for knitting started as a way to cope with physical and mental health challenges. What began as a therapeutic hobby has now transformed into a career defining moment, with her work presented as part of the Fashion Crossover's 'Ones To Watch' collection.
Crafting a Creative Outlet
Shonagh first learned to knit from her grandmother, using traditional needles and yarn. Over time, she developed her own hand knitting technique, working with a different material and embracing knitting as a "creative coping mechanism" during her battle with illness.
Facing several health conditions in her teenage years, she was unable to attend university or follow a conventional path into the fashion industry. Instead, Shonagh turned to knitting, which she found calming and therapeutic. “It was a way to pass the time, but more than that, the cyclical nature of knitting helped me mentally and physically get through that difficult period,” she says.
Although missing out on formal education in fashion made her feel like she was starting her career “on the back foot,” Shonagh now embraces the journey as part of her story. “It’s a reminder that everything happens for a reason, and to not let adversity stop you from reaching your dreams.”
Image Source : Jasmine Sandhar
Inspired by Girlhood and Nostalgia
For her LFW debut, Shonagh drew inspiration from ultra feminine aesthetics and nostalgic references from her childhood, including 1990s films like The Parent Trap and Edward Scissorhands. “It’s all about reconnecting with that inner child and rediscovering the pure happiness and freedom we had as kids,” she explains.
Her designs are described as "bold statement pieces," and she hopes her brand, Shone, will challenge traditional perceptions of knitwear. "People often think of knitwear as boring or itchy, but it can be so much more. It can be high fashion,” Shonagh says.
Using one centimeter thick, 100% plant based yarn, her unique materials not only make the designs more sustainable but also add a surreal touch to each piece.
Career Highlights and Future Ambitions
While Shonagh has already styled high profile clients, including The Vivienne from RuPaul's Drag Race, she considers her London Fashion Week showcase to be her career highlight so far. Although she was backstage during the show, she later saw the pieces in action through videos and felt proud of her achievement. “Walking out myself on the runway was nerve wracking but thrilling. As soon as it was over, I just wanted to do it again.”
Her success at LFW has inspired Shonagh to push even further. She’s now setting her sights on participating in other major fashion weeks around the globe, including Paris, Copenhagen, and New York.
Shonagh’s journey from knitting as therapy to the catwalk is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. “It’s been a beautiful and emotional journey, and I’m just getting started,” she says.
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business News
Image Source : Maskot
In a significant move to address growing concerns about the safety of young users online, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has announced sweeping privacy upgrades specifically designed for teenagers. The changes, which will roll out globally, aim to provide additional safeguards to users under 18 by introducing stricter privacy settings and more robust parental controls.
Automatic Conversion to Teen Accounts
Under the new rules, any Instagram account associated with users under the age of 18 will automatically convert to a Teen Account. These accounts will default to private settings, meaning only approved followers will be able to view their posts and interact with them. Previously, Instagram users had to manually set their profiles to private, but now this will be the default option for all underage users, reducing the chances of unwanted interactions.
The shift to private accounts is designed to limit exposure to potential online threats such as predators or unwanted attention. This step is part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to make the platform a safer space for younger audiences, responding to years of pressure from parents, regulators, and child safety advocates.
Image Source : Chesnot
Enhanced Messaging and Tagging Restrictions
In addition to the privacy settings, Instagram has introduced new restrictions on messaging and tagging for teen accounts. Only users who are already connected to the teenager, either as a follower or through prior interactions, will be able to send direct messages or tag them in posts. This limits the potential for unsolicited contact from unknown users, reducing risks such as grooming, harassment, or unwanted exposure to harmful content.
The company stated that this is part of its ongoing effort to curb the negative effects of social media, which include exposure to inappropriate content and online exploitation. The sensitive content settings for these accounts will also be set to the highest level, filtering out content that could be deemed harmful or disturbing.
Addressing Growing Concerns About Social Media's Impact
Meta's announcement is in direct response to mounting concerns over the harmful impacts of social media on young people. Studies have shown that excessive social media use, especially among teenagers, can lead to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and body image issues. There have also been alarming reports of predatory behavior, with cases of grooming and exploitation involving minors on social media platforms.
By making these updates, Instagram is attempting to balance its user engagement goals with its responsibility to protect young users from potential online harm. The platform has been under pressure from various child protection organizations and governments worldwide to take stronger action in safeguarding minors.
Image Source : Justin Sullivan
Further Parental Control Options
To complement the teen privacy updates, Meta is also introducing enhanced parental control features. Parents and guardians will have more visibility into the accounts and activities of their teens, including options to monitor who they interact with and what content they are exposed to. While the specifics of these controls have yet to be fully outlined, Meta emphasized that this will provide a "layered approach" to online safety, empowering parents to play an active role in their children’s social media experiences.
These updates are part of Meta's broader initiative to make Instagram a more secure and supportive platform for all users, particularly the younger demographic, as the company continues to refine its approach to online safety.
Industry Wide Scrutiny on Child Safety
The changes also come at a time when tech companies are facing increased scrutiny over how they protect children on their platforms. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide have called for stricter regulations, with some even threatening hefty fines for non compliance. Meta’s move is seen as a proactive measure to avoid such penalties and demonstrate its commitment to user safety.
Meta is not alone in this effort. Other platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, have also introduced features aimed at protecting young users, including default private settings for new accounts and restrictions on who can message or interact with minors. These collective efforts reflect an industry wide shift toward creating safer digital environments for young people.
