TLC Inns co-founder Steve Halsam has stepped back into the managing director role at the pub and restaurant operator after the departure of Noel Darcy, MCA has learnt.
Haslam took back the reins around six months ago following former Drake & Morgan operations director Darcy’s brief tenure.
Halsam told MCA he would stay in position for perhaps another year, before exploring options of a possible investment, M&A or sale in around 12 months’ time.
TLC operates fix Grand Central restaurant sites and has just acquired a lease on its fifth pub, The Victory on Mersea Island, near Colchester, in Essex, its first new site in five years.
Haslam said the company could look to take on a further four to six pubs over the next two years, which could be with Victory landlord Star.
He said: “Star have some great sites in some great locations, and I know everal multiple operators who work well with them
“We’ll be monitoring the relationship closely. It’s early days and if all goes well we’ll look at other opportunities.
“With the acquisition [Punch and Heineken] almost getting the green light we think there’ll be more opportunities.
“There could be an opportunity to do another four, five or six over the next couple of years pub wise – whether that be with Star, independently, or one of the other players.”
Haslam said since taking a more hands on role on the service side of the business, he had introduced sweeping changes, including a new supply chain, new protocol and procedures.
He added: “As we grow we will look at different levels within the structure, and will maybe make some senior appointments, so we can be more focussed on growth rather than the daily running and management.
“Ultimately that will lead us to next stage - whether we can continue to grow, take on outside investment, or maybe some M&A activity or a sale.”
