His business was one of those targeted and he is writing to Louise Smyth, chief executive at Companies House and Registrar for England and Wales, asking for greater transparency on how her organisation is tackling the issue.

Blumenthal is asking for a faster response from Companies House to help the restaurant industry which is already struggling with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. He estimates failing to move quickly could lead to as many as 9,750 restaurants being victims of fraud over an 18 month period.

Blumenthal said: “I am grateful this issue has been highlighted and am confident Companies House will do it all it can to support businesses with tackling what is a long-running problem. Our legal team has been scanning the Companies Register for years and has regularly needed to notify Companies House of bogus companies claiming to be to be part of our group.

“The process for removing fake companies has to be speeded up and made easier. We need greater transparency from Companies House and a clear timeline. In some cases it is being reported it can take up to 18 months to rectify. Checks by Companies House on the identity of people registering companies would reduce the risk of frauds and be a major help for restaurants and other businesses facing up to problems with fraudsters.

“The protection of our brands is absolutely paramount to our customers, our partners and our teams who excel every day in our kitchens and restaurants. We will not allow fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting patrons or partners and risk the legacy which we have collectively built with hard work, dedication, innovation and a grain of eccentricity.”