Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.

Vovem fire ‘not suspicious’ as new images reveal extent of devastating blaze

A fire which tore through an Aberdeen steak restaurant is being treated as “not suspicious”, according to the fire service.

The devastating blaze began at around noon on Thursday, September 26, within the back building of Vovem restaurant, which backs onto Union Row.

Several neighbouring businesses were forced to evacuate due to the incident including staff at Vovem who all made it out safely.

Read the full story in the P&J.

Mulberry rejects Mike Ashley's takeover bid

Mulberry, the struggling UK luxury brand, has rejected a proposed takeover bid by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group.

The luxury brand, which is battling a global slump in demand for goods such as handbags with large price tags, says the proposal undervalues its prospects.

Frasers, which is majority owned by the tycoon and best-known for its Sports Direct brand, made an offer on Monday that valued Mulberry at £83m.

The company is the second largest shareholder in Mulberry, with a 37% holding.

Ex-Harrods director won't take top job at Fenwick

Nigel Blow, a long-serving former Harrods executive, has decided not to become the boss of department store Fenwick despite being due to start in the role this month, the BBC has learned.

Mr Blow worked at Harrods for 14 years from 1992 to 2007, a period when the luxury London store was owned by Mohamed Al Fayed.

Following the allegations against Al Fayed, Mr Blow declined to answer multiple requests for comment. A day after contacting Fenwick, however, the BBC was told he would not be taking up the post.

Garden centre chain Dobbies to shut 17 stores as part of restructuring plan

Dobbies is planning to shut 17 of its 77 stores, affecting 465 jobs, as its new owners try to return the garden centre group to profitability.

The company, which employs 3,600 workers, said it was seeking the approval of creditors for a restructuring plan that would reduce its rent bill.

The closures by the end of the year include 11 unprofitable large garden centres and all six of its “little Dobbies” high street sites, while the company said it was seeking rent reductions at a further nine sites.

Read the full story here.

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