Mike Ashley pledges 'open discussion' about practices at Sports Direct

Under-fire Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley is bracing himself for a showdown with shareholders and unions next week as he prepares to throw open the retailer's factory doors to the public in a bid to address concerns over corporate governance and working practices.

The billionaire has faced increasing pressure from shareholder groups in the run-up to Wednesday's annual general meeting (AGM), with calls to overhaul its board of directors and launch an immediate independent review into working conditions at its factories.