All MCA Insight articles in September 2026
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsGreene King upping investment in London pub estate
Thirty-nine of its sites in central London – “the core of the core” of its 2,500 estate – are to receive investment this year, Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie has said.
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NewsTimothy Taylor’s undergoes brand refresh amid £9m brewery investment
The 168-year-old West Yorkshire business said that while the look of the brand was evolving – with an updated logo, pump clips, glassware and bottles, its beer and brewing philosophy remained the same.
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Analysis & InsightBank holiday pints set to give pub sector £13m sales boost
To coincide with the three-day weekend, the BBPA carried out research to find out what makes the perfect pub, with 33% stating that a cosy, traditional atmosphere was of most importance, with only 6% preferring a modern, stylish décor.
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NewsBuzz Bingo attracts new generation of players
The company, formerly Gala Bingo, said that sales were boosted last year by investment in its 76-bingo hall estate to make it more appealing to a tech-savvy generation, with half of its 190,000 new customers under the age of 35.
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NewsTech on Toast rebrands as Stacked
The hospitality tech platform said the rebrand has been carried out to unify its services and expand its free support for operators wanting to digitise their businesses.
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NewsCaffè Nero UK achieves 5% sales uplift as group reports record sales
Growth in the UK business was supported by the success of its iced drinks range, which achieved a 52% sales increase - with matcha based drinks accounting for a significant amount of that growth.
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InterviewsParogon Group: ‘There’s been a significant shift in how people are dining out’
Co-founder Richard Colclough tells MCA the rise of GLP-1 use among diners has hit starter and dessert sales with the group responding by expanding its salad and healthy food options
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NewsBlack Sheep Coffee to launch first UK drive-thru
It will be the coffee shop chain’s second location in Lancashire, with further sites already in development across the region
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Analysis & InsightHeatwaves cost sector millions in extra energy costs
Energy use was up 19% over the summer, with each of the 30 heatwave days costing an additional £3.2m, according to new data from Zero Carbon Company. It says operators need to plan for the new normal.
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Analysis & InsightBusiness optimism down despite summer sales boost
Just 35% of leaders polled feel optimistic about prospects for their business over the next 12 months – down 16 percentage points since the start of the year, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey from NIQ and Zonal
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NewsPunch announces additions to L&T leadership team
Henry Fairbanks joins the business next month, from Chestnut Group, as innovations operations director, while Sarah Edmunds has been promoted to operations director for the Midlands.
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NewsDiageo drops responsible drinking and diversity targets from execs’ bonus
Under the new policy, CEO Sir Dave Lewis and his fellow executives will have their long-term rewards tied entirely to financial performance, rather than environmental, social and governance targets
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NewsToby Carvery launches retail range in Iceland
Iceland said the range was “inspired by the iconic flavours and traditions of Toby Carvery”, with products including mini battered sausages in blankets and a sausage and mash filled Yorkshire pudding
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NewsPopeyes launches debut rewards programme
Developed in-house, Popeyes Rewards will allow registered customers to earn 100 points for every £1 spent on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed against menu items.
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NewsOlivia FitzGerald to join Airship & Toggle as CEO
The former chief sales and marketing officer for Zonal will take the reins of the integrated CRM and hospitality commerce platform in November, succeeding co-founder Dan Brookman
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NewsEveryman increases market share in H1
The boutique cinema chain has reported ‘growth across all key metrics’ in the first half of 2026 amid ‘strong results’ over a wide range of films, genres and events
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NewsHospitality grant scheme opens for applications
The £10m fund, first announced back in January, will be invested into projects that help get new ventures off the ground, as well as support community venues and training programmes
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News
Arcade-backed burger brand Manna to launch standalone site
The restaurant will serve Manna’s full menu, including the double Manna and classic smash burgers, alongside sides including waffle fries
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NewsMarket Taverns promotes Miles Slade to CEO
It comes as the independent London pub group prepares to accelerate investment in its estate and pursue further expansion
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NewsVenue closures and subdued tourism knocks Hakkasan revenue
The luxury hospitality group saw the restaurant revenue of its UK-owned operations fall 20.3% in FY25