All MCA Insight articles in February 2026 – Page 2
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NewsSocial golf concept Pitch looks to drive expansion through franchising
The competitive socialising brand has partnered with Presman & Colard to accelerate its expansion through franchising following ‘impressive’ year on year growth
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NewsNew MD appointed at Okell’s Inns
Heron & Brearley has appointed Ollie Neale as managing director at its Okell’s Inns business, in a move which will also see the Isle of Man business bring its brewing, wholesale and pub arms together
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NewsSourdough Sophia completes £1.5m funding round
The neighbourhood bakery has completed a £1.5m fundraising round as it looks to build its business from four sites to 20 by 2029.
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NewsPub investment market remains attractive for quality assets
The pub investment market remains attractive for high-quality, freehold-backed assets despite the challenges facing the rest of the market, according to Fleurets’ latest Survey of Pub Prices report.
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NewsAG Barr acquires Fentimans and Frobishers
Scottish drinks group AG Barr has acquired adult soft drink brands Fentimans and Frobishers Juices for a combined c.£51m as it looks to capitalise on the consumer trend for reduced alcohol consumption.
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NewsPunch acquires 30 pubs from McMullen’s
The acquisition was described as a ‘small but strategically important’ addition to Punch’s estate, with the pubs located predominantly across Hertfordshire and Essex
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Analysis & InsightCoffee shops see highest price inflation as operators respond to rising costs
With coffee beans and cocoa skyrocketing in cost, businesses are passing increases through to customers - but continue to innovate to attract demand and retain loyalty
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EventsWebinar: How to move beyond box ticking to build truly inclusive cultures
Wednesday 18th March 2026, 3:00PM GMT Join MCA for an in-depth webinar, exploring how hospitality businesses can move beyond compliance and campaigns to create cultures where every individual genuinely feels they belong. Across the hospitality sector, the conversation around diversity and inclusion is evolving from compliance and ...
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NewsFarage sets out populist pubs plan
Reform UK has said it will scrap business rates for pubs as well as National Insurance increases for hospitality businesses and reduce VAT to 10%, funded by reinstating the two-child benefit cap
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NewsUrban Pubs & Bars EBITDA up 50%
The London based operator reported EBITDA after central costs of £17m - an increase of £5m versus reported EBITDA of £12.3m for the financial year ended 27 April 2025
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Analysis & InsightGreggs now largest chain in UK branded coffee shop market
The food-to-go focused retailer has overtaken Costa Coffee to reach the top spot, according to Allegra World Coffee Portal, as consumers continue to embrace non-traditional coffee locations
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Analysis & InsightHospitality liquidations remain higher than pre-Covid levels
Research from Begbies Traynor shows the hospitality industry reported some of the highest levels of serious financial distress in Q4 2025 with hotels, bars and restaurants facing the most risk
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NewsElite Pubs celebrates strong full-year performance
The Kent-based gastro pub and restaurant group grew revenue by 12% in the year to 31 March 2025, with net profit up 22%, in a year “packed with opportunities and positive improvements”
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NewsBuzzworks reports ‘resilient year’ of trading and investment
The Scottish hospitality operator saw revenue rise, but underlying EBITDA fall slightly against a ‘tough operating backdrop’
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NewsStar Pubs sees L&T applicants rise 10% in January
The uplift comes against a backdrop of continued cost inflation and ongoing pub closures in parts of the L&T market
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NewsTwo Magpies shakes up management team in bid to reach 50 sites
The bakery group has announced a raft of new appointments as it looks to quintuple its estate, with Ben Magnall set to eventually succeed owner Steve Magnall
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NewsZonal acquired by Volaris Group
The UK hospitality technology provider says the deal heralds ‘an exciting new era’ and creates opportunities to accelerate its next-generation software
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NewsThe Mayfair Chippy heads to Saudi Arabia following franchise deal
The group, which is also seeking further London sites, will make its international debut in Riyadh this summer under a franchise deal with property developer Alidara Real Estate
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NewsMarco Pierre White Restaurants kickstarts franchising plans
The chef’s restaurant group has appointed Franchise With Us to lead its strategy across nine brands, with expansion likely to branch out beyond hotels
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NewsDave’s Hot Chicken appoints European business development director
The appointment of Léa Ghanem, who previously spent several years with Starbucks, comes as the Nashville-style chicken brand looks to expand across Europe following its success in the UK