All MCA Insight articles in July 2026
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsJason Cotta: ‘Costa deserves another chance’
As the former managing director, Cotta spent nearly a decade with Costa Coffee and said that leadership, investment, and innovation can help the business return to success
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NewsJames Taylor steps down from BrewDog
Taylor has stepped down from his role after approximately 18 months as CEO, as new owner Tilray Brands looks to rebuild and strengthen the business
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NewsBrewhouse & Kitchen: ‘Hospitality is a sector under siege’
The business reported a year of “mixed” progress, citing an “unhealthy” trading environment - albeit it remains focused on adding new customers and occasions
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NewsGreggs CFO to step down after 28 years
Ben Waldron, formerly of Bakkavor Group, will succeed Richard Hutton, who is retiring as CFO and executive director at the end of the year
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NewsMarket Halls reports ‘landmark’ year
The food hall operator has reported turnover growth of 18% to £16.9m for the year ended 29 June 2025, along with a rise in total venue sales to £32.4m
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NewsCoughlans Bakery shutters estate as it enters liquidation
The third-generation family business, which was backed by TV comic Romesh Ranganathan, has closed all 32 of its shops, blaming tax and cost rises
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Analysis & InsightWhy UK cinemas need to write their own script in 2026
Boutique chain Everyman has seen its share price fall by almost 80% over the last five years in the aftermath of Covid, writers’ and directors’ strikes and a poor slate of new movie releases
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InterviewsUrban Pubs & Bars: ‘There’s nothing in our estate that doesn’t make money’
Co-founder Nick Pring and managing director Chris Hill discussed the pipeline for growth, the importance of teams, and the possibility of a succession plan at MCA’s Pub Conference
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Analysis & InsightGLP-1s forecast to reduce away from home spend by nearly £1bn
A new report from IGD predicts that reduced visit frequency and spend across the sector will lead to a decline of nearly £1bn by 2031
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NewsSan Carlo reports £76m turnover
The premium Italian restaurant group, which also operates under brands such as Signor Sassi and Cicchetti, saw turnover dip marginally due to challenging trading conditions
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NewsNew NED at Young’s
Diana Houghton, currently a non-executive director at Marshalls, brings extensive experience spanning retail, leisure, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing
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News‘A giant of the British culinary world’: Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Bill Poon dies
The Chinese chef is best known for Poon’s of Covent Garden, which launched in 1976 and was among the first Chinese restaurants in London to be awarded a Michelin star
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NewsButchies placed in voluntary liquidation
The buttermilk fried chicken concept, founded in East London in 2013, has three remaining sites and has appointed Begbies Traynor as liquidator
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NewsLoungers confirms international expansion to Essen, Germany
The all-day café/restaurant/bar group will make its overseas debut this October under a new brand name - Southville - in a nod to its first ever Lounge, which opened in Bristol’s Southville neighbourhood in 2002
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Pizza Hut’s return to Marble Arch, Darjeeling Express’ return to Soho, and new sites from Shake Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and KFC
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News‘We’re paying twice’: Firms grapple with Labour’s sick pay changes
Hospitality firms say entitlement to SSP on first day off is encouraging staff not to turn up, meaning paid cover has to be found and adding to rising costs, The Times reports
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InterviewsHow two YouTube stars built a £3m coffee brand in a year
James Marriott and Will ‘Willne’ Lenney have already seen coffee company Rodd’s enter profitability and now they are looking to expand their customer base, The Times reports
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NewsPolice criticise decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England match
The Guardian reports the ‘late announcement’ means forces will have to adapt plans and move officers away from communities, say chiefs
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NewsCosta appoints new CFO to lead global finance team
Matthew Sisk joins the coffee giant on 1 September after more than 21 years with the Coca-Cola Company, while Jez Langhorn has joined as chief people officer
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NewsBoparan partners with TRGC to open first UK airport site for Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens opened at Terminal 3 airside on 4 July, serving the brand’s menu of chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, shakes, and 15 dipping sauces