All articles by James McAllister – Page 11
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Analysis & InsightHospitality remains ‘stuck in stagnation’ as like-for-like sales grow marginally in May
Year-on-year growth across Britain’s leading hospitality groups has now been below the UK’s rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index, for 13 consecutive months
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NewsJamie Oliver Group appoints new chairman
Well-known advertising executive Anthony Freedman joins the group’s board, describing the opportunity to work alongside the eponymous celebrity chef as an ‘honour’
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NewsYum! Brands to sell Pizza Hut for $2.7bn
The US fast food group says the deal, which follows a strategic review of the struggling pizza chain, positions it for ‘long-term growth and shareholder value creation’
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NewsWagamama launches airport grab-and-go concept
The pan-Asian brand describes the format, which has just opened at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, as ‘a travel-first evolution of the Wagamama experience’
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InterviewsAmber Taverns: ‘Big screen sport is still very important for us’
James Baer, chairman of the popular community pub operator, says the World Cup represents a huge opportunity for the group with events now a key driver for growth
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InterviewsSugarloaf: ‘TGI Fridays had to right size to set itself for the future’
The casual dining group still sees plenty of scope for growth in the UK, and is also keen to rebuild its reputation as a bastion for entry-level job opportunities in the hospitality sector
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OpinionIs Andy Burnham hospitality’s knight in shining armour?
The ‘King of the North’ has promised to shower hospitality with shiny trinkets including business rate reductions and VAT cuts should he triumph in Makerfield and take Labour’s crown
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NewsLondon enjoying ‘taco renaissance’ as online searches surge
According to DesignMyNight, there has been a 261% year-on-year increase in searches for the staple Mexican dish in the capital
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InterviewsSarah Willingham: ‘I’m seeing return on investment like I have never seen’
Speaking at UKHospitality’s Summer Conference, the Nightcap CEO said site refurbishments and improving kerb appeal is driving sales, and pushed backed against the notion Gen Z is shunning late nights
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NewsJonathan Peters joins US padel business No Strings as fractional CFO
The former F1 Arcade CEO will support No Strings across finance, legal, commercial and fundraising with a view to stepping into the role full-time following its Series A funding round
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NewsChancellor calls on sector to continue working constructively with government
Addressing UKHospitality’s Summer Conference this week via video message, Rachel Reeves claimed ’the best days are ahead of us’ while acknowleding the sector’s tough trading conditions
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NewsStarbucks considering options for Japanese business
The US coffee giant has held preliminary talks with investment banks to help determine an approach for Japan, which includes a stake sale that could be valued at around $2.5bn
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NewsPret to expand into major Canadian airports
The expansion of the sandwich giant’s Canadian presence forms part of its ongoing agreement with A&W Food Services
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Analysis & InsightWho will be the winners of the government’s summer VAT cut?
While complexities around implementation hardly feel tailored to benefit operators, there are notable opportunities for businesses across the sector to make hay while the sun shines this summer
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NewsPret reports ‘strong start’ to 2026 following FY25 sales growth
The sandwich group says system sales rose 7% (8% in the UK) in the first four months of the year, supported by rising customer counts and continued estate expansion
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NewsOperators urged to respond to government consultation on employment rights changes
The consultation, which closes in August, will be used to shape the eligibility and scope of new policies related to zero and low-hours workers
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NewsButcombe appoints Alice Bowyer as MD of managed house division amid leadership restructure
The Caledonia Private Capital-backed premium pub group has also announced several senior promotions as it looks to build on the momentum of record-breaking financial results
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InterviewsF1 Arcade: ‘The long-term ambition is genuinely international’
Newly appointed CEO Mat Horvath tells MCA that while the group sees plenty of scope for growth he believes in earning the right to expand rather than chasing site count
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NewsTube strikes deliver ‘sharp blow’ to London hospitality trading
Analysis by Tenzo shows the median London hospitality venue saw sales fall by 13.1% last Thursday (4 June) with one in five experiencing a sales declines of more than 30%
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NewsTerra Firma plots £300m Stonegate pubs bid
The private equity firm is reported to be among a number of prospective bidders preparing to table offers for part of Stonegate Group’s ‘platinum’ collection this week