All MCA Insight articles in February 2025 – Page 8
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InterviewsCaravan: ‘There’s a balanced approach to everything we do’
People & culture director Fernanda Antonio explains how the restaurant and coffee group has put diversity & inclusion at the heart of its culture, in a profile for the Diversity Leadership Programme category
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Analysis & InsightUK branded coffee shop market sees 5.2% growth
The £6.1bn industry saw a further 570 net new outlets open over the past year, with Costa Coffee remaining the UK’s largest branded coffee chain
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NewsGino D’Acampo hotel partner taking claims ‘very seriously’
International hotel group Meliá, which has at least four UK restaurants linked with Italian TV personality D’Acampo, is “closely monitoring” the allegations against him
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NewsMcDonald’s names UK as one of most ‘challenged’ markets
The company’s Q4 results were partly offset by negative comparable sales in some markets, led by the UK, with new initiatives implemented to drive performance
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NewsVagabond strengthens leadership team ahead of expansion
The reshuffle includes internal promotions and external hires aimed at expanding its estate and driving customer engagement
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NewsHospitality spending grows despite consumer caution
Pubs, bars & clubs, and restaurants recorded 2.6% year-on-year growth in January, according to the latest Barclays Consumer Spend report
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EventsBook your tickets for MCA’s Food to Go Conference
The full-day conference boasts some of the biggest brands in sector, including Wingstop, German Doner Kebab, Costa Coffee, Papa Johns, Chipotle and Ole & Steen – so don’t delay, book your tickets for this must-attend event
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NewsCornish Bakery accelerating expansion this year
The business has opened six new sites with “a further five under offer”, since its year end in May 2024, and is on target to achieve a significant uplift in EBITDA, to reach in excess of £5m in FY24/25
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NewsBeer bottles under threat from net zero targets
The introduction of the so-called ‘glass tax’ could result in an additional 7p per 500ml bottle resulting in many brewers ditching glass in favour of aluminium cans
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NewsNICs hit won’t blow The Ivy sale off course
The Ivy restaurant group is preparing for an additional £6 million annual hit from the increase in employer national insurance contributions, but it won’t derail plans for a sale of the business, it has been reported
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Analysis & InsightLate night venue numbers drop 25% in last five years
Nightclubs and late-night bar numbers may be down but venues operating in the wider evening economy have increased by 3.9% in the past 12 months, according to the new Night Time Economy Monitor
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NewsGuinness owner suffers pub backlash over price rises
Diageo has been accused of taking advantage of the stout’s surging popularity to increase keg prices, The Telegraph reports
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NewsLondon Overground closures most weekends — and hospitality is hurting
The rebranded Overground lines are regularly closed and disrupted during Londoners’ days off, leaving nightlife hotspots counting the cost
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Analysis & InsightWhat is the UK’s favourite pub snack in 2025?
The humble bar snack has been part of UK social culture for well over a century - Sky News takes a look at how much they have changed since the days of Victorian oysters
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NewsPernod Ricard cuts sales outlook on tariff uncertainty
The French spirits group has been hit by slump in Chinese demand for cognac following anti-dumping measures
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InterviewsLoungers deal ends years of frustration over share price
Management did “all we could” to boost the Lounge and Cosy Club operator’s standing on the public markets, but in the end its ‘take private’ deal with Fortress offered the best result for shareholders, chairman Alex Reilley tells MCA
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NewsRed Engine reports record-breaking Q4
The operator behind experiential concepts Flight Club and Electric Shuffle announced sales of £25.3m, up 24% on 2023, with plans to reach 39 venues by year end
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Analysis & Insight‘We fully expect to see a slew of liquidations’
As hospitality operators face up to rises to the National Insurance Contributions (NICs) threshold in April, Simon Brooke explores how businesses can mitigate the impact of the tax rises, from their supply chain to labour management
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NewsBMJ investigates McDonald’s planning practices
A British Medical Journal (BMJ) investigation has found that McDonald’s has successfully overturned multiple council planning refusals in the UK by citing its healthier menu options and community contributions in appeals
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NewsJulia Wilkinson steps down after 28 years at Shaftesbury Capital
The restaurant director listed a number of milestones during her time with the West End landlord, such as curating Kingly Court and supporting the rejuvenation of Fitzrovia