Breakfast briefing: Retail news on BHS, Austin Reed and Burberry

Sir Philip calls for resignation of parliamentary committee chair Frank Field

Former BHS owner Sir Philip Green has demanded the resignation of parliamentary committee chair Frank Field who is probing into the collapse of the high street retailer.

Topshop-owner Green suggested Field was “prejudiced” against the inquiry.

He has also told MPs investigating BHS’s demise to end his "trial by media".

Green said he was "concerned" about statements the two MPs, Field and Iain Wright, had made in the media "calling for me to lose my knighthood or suggesting I have asset stripped BHS".

Hawes & Curtis and Ghost owner “interested” in “parts” of collapsed Austin Reed

Menswear brand Hawes & Curtis owner Touker Suleyman has confirmed he is eyeing collapsed menswear chain Austin Reed, The Guardian reported.

He said: “Yes, parts of the [Austin Reed] business are on my radar.”

Suleyman, who is also a panelist on BBC TV show Dragons' Den, has become one of the several potential suitors such as private equity firm Better Capital, Moss Bros, Joules and White Stuff looking to acquire some of the retailer’s stores.

Burberry could hire senior manager to help support boss Christopher Bailey

Burberry is looking to create a new senior management position to work in tandem with its under-pressure chief executive Christopher Bailey, following investor concerns over disappointing trading and a slump in its share price.

The luxury fashion label is expected to appoint a senior executive to support Bailey as he is due to unveil the results of a business review alongside the retailer’s preliminary results later this month, the Financial Times reported.

It is still unclear if the role would be at boardroom level.