All Finance articles – Page 5
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Analysis & InsightRestaurants aren’t done - but they’re being tested like never before
Leon’s co-founder John Vincent has accused the government of killing the restaurant industry. Yet despite the challenges, operators with strong cost control, a clear strategy, and data-led decision-making continue to thrive
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InterviewsM&B’s Phil Urban: ‘There is no reason why our momentum shouldn’t continue’
After achieving profit growth in the face of additional costs of £35m this financial year, CEO Phil Urban speaks to MCA about steak becoming a consumer luxury, the potential to acquire Whitbread sites, and his optimism over returning warm weather
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NewsVAT on children’s restaurant meals cut to 5% for summer
UKHospitality says the move, which will apply to eat-in restaurant dishes served from a children’s menu, reflects government recognition that a lower VAT rate delivers immediate benefits for the economy
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NewsMitchells & Butlers ‘well placed’ to further grow market share
The pub and restaurant operator has reported revenue of £1,490m for the 28 weeks to 11 April, with 3.3% like-for-like growth during the period
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NewsPizzaExpress carries momentum into FY26
The pizzeria chain delivered like-for-like sales growth of 5% in Q1, plus sales of £112m during a period of “transformation and innovation” for the group
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NewsPuttshack revenues continue to decline
The experiential operator reported turnover of £18.9m for its UK business in 2024, declining from £22.4m in 2023
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NewsThe Real Greek set to change hands for £1.5m
The sale of the Mediterranean restaurant business to Karali Group was for an agreed sum of £1m, paid on completion, with a further consideration of £500k to be paid based on the successful assignment of ten leases.
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NewsBow Street Group reports continued improvement to sales
In a trading update ahead of its AGM today, the Wildwood and dim t owner and operator said group revenue was up on a comparable basis for the four and a half months to 17 May 2026, with acquisition discussions ongoing.
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OpinionWhitbread: Its next chapter as a pure-play hotel business
Less than two years since launching a new five-year plan for Premier Inn and Beefeater owner Whitbread, chief executive Dominic Paul has rolled out a fresh one. MCA columnist Dominic Walsh assesses the reasoning and impact of its latest strategy
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NewsUK contributes heavily to strong half-year sales for SSP Group
H1 2026 revenue stood at £456m in the UK and Ireland, with LFL growth of 8.4% during the period, increasing to 11% in the first six weeks of H2
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NewsTortilla pushes ahead with double-digit growth
The fast casual Mexican restaurant group reported like-for-like sales growth of 12% across its UK estate in the 20 weeks ended 17 May, credited to improvements in food quality, branding, and guest experience
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NewsGreggs stock rises as it provides ‘reassuring’ numbers
Greggs shareholders have been handed a welcome reprieve after the stock jumped 6.7% on Tuesday, albeit analysts were cautious of declaring any long-term recovery
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Analysis & InsightLease restructures: the alternative mechanisms giving operators breathing space
With Stonegate, Leon, Las Iguanas and Franco Manca all turning to property restructures to deal with onerous rent liabilities, Simon Brooke explores how business are finding greater flexibility and a better prospect of long-term survival by rebasing their leasehold costs
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NewsPortobello Pub Co: ‘2026 shaping up to be an exciting year’
The Zetland Capital-backed group reported a 13% increase revenue to £32.8m, and narrowed its losses for the year to September 2025
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NewsHall & Woodhouse secures £55m refinancing package
The brewer and pub operator, which dates back to 1777, said the package from Barclay’s would give it “greater simplicity and confidence” to invest in the long-term
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NewsVeeno Bars reacquired by founder Nino Caruso
The wine bar group, which entered into administration last month, has completed a restructure that sees Caruso return to a more active role within the business
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NewsSales surpass £50m for Rosa’s Thai
The Thai restaurant group has reported 7.3% sales growth in the year to 30 March 2025, and has also agreed a debt finance deal with its new banking partner, OakNorth
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NewsMarston’s: ‘We have a 600-pub conversion opportunity’
Chief executive Justin Platt said there was a clear roll out opportunity, with market mapping of its current estate suggesting that around 250 of its sites would be suitable for conversion to its successful local sports bar format Grandstand.
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NewsXP Factory remains confident about Boom despite continued sales decline
Chief executive Richard Harpham says the group remains confident in the future of its competitive socialising business Boom Battle Bar, despite an 8% drop in like-for-like sales during FY2026.
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NewsGreggs reports improving like-for-like sales performance
Greggs reports a 2.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the 19 weeks to 9 March 2026, as it gears up to open its first international airport location, in Tenerife.