Breakfast briefing: Retail news on BHS, Cath Kidston and Sports Direct

Former BHS owner Sir Philip Green’s close confidante to be invited to appear before MPs

Arcadia Group tycoon Sir Philip Green’s former adviser, Robin Saunders, is to be summoned to appear before MPs to give evidence over the demise of high street chain BHS, according to The Guardian.

Saunders, who is also the City financier, is credited with pushing through the deal that enabled Green’s breakthrough acquisition of BHS 16 years ago.

She helped convicted fraudster Paul Sutton in his efforts to buy the retailer in 2013 and 2014.

Mike Ashley urges employment agencies to answer MPs’ queries

Sports Direct's Mike Ashley has called on two employment agencies to answer MPs’ questions about pay and working conditions at his retail empire.

Ashley has written to the directors of Transline Group and the Best Connection, the two main agencies used by Sports Direct for temporary warehouse staff, saying they should be “open and honest” with MPs.

“I am writing to put on record that I encourage you to attend and to be open and honest,” Ashley said in the letters, seen by the Financial Times.

“Sports Direct has nothing to hide,” he added.

Cath Kidston steps down as non-executive director of her brand

Entrepreneur Cath Kidston has ended her official involvement with the fashion and homewares retailer after quitting as its non-executive director, The Times reported.

Kidston stepped down as the brand’s chief creative designer role in 2014, however, remains a shareholder in the group with a more than 10% stake.

Chief executive Kenny Wilson said: “We knew she would step down and this has been a planned transition.”