Investment

Our coverage tracks financial activity shaping the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from venture capital and private equity backing to corporate acquisitions, refinancing deals, and growth funding. Our reporting is focused on the operators, brands, and concepts attracting capital, and what that means for the wider industry. Whether you’re a restaurant group seeking funding, a pub chain monitoring market valuations, or a catering contractor analysing competitor growth, our investment coverage delivers intelligence that helps business leaders understand where money is flowing, and why. Expect deep dives, expert commentary, and deal-by-deal context, all tailored to the foodservice trade.

Jul- 2018 -

31 July

Pubs and Bars

Star Pubs and Bars doubles outdoor investment

Star Pubs and Bars has announced that it is investing £6m this year in revamping the exteriors of its pubs to enhance their kerb appeal and increase external covers. The investment is double that of 2017 and is expected to benefit 260 pubs. Over 60% of the funds are being…
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30 July

Features

The Apprenticeship Levy – one year on

Following a year of the Apprenticeship Levy, the government initiative to fund three million places for apprentices by 2020, Jill Whittaker, managing director at HIT Training, reflects on its impact, what the future holds for apprenticeships in the UK and what opportunities this opens for the hospitality sector “For some…
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27 July

Beverages

Diageo sees 22% sales boost thanks to gin trend

Gin has been the most popular category for drinks company Diageo, with its Gordons and Tanqueray brands seeing a sales boost of 22% across Europe. Vodka sales at the firm were down by 2% in its latest financial results to the year ending June 2018, while its Guinness business saw…
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26 July

Advice

Securing a patent

Securing a patent for a business idea or product is not a straightforward process. As an entrepreneur in a competitive industry, you need to protect your invention but it’s a time-consuming and financial investment that you will be making; before doing so, and in order to increase your chances of…
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25 July

Features

The evolution of the burger

Ten years ago, “burger” was a bit of a dirty word. A grubby indulgence you got at a fast-food chain as a treat. The junk food staple had garnered a pretty bad reputation thanks to the release of Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser and the 2004 documentary, Supersize Me.…
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20 July

Pubs and Bars

Brewers and pubs launch ‘Long Live the Local’ campaign

Members of campaign group Britain’s Beer Alliance (BBA) have launched a campaign encouraging people to support their local pubs amid increasing beer tax. The ‘Long Live the Local’ campaign has called on the government to cut Beer Duty as pubs facing “increasing pressures” including business rates and VAT. Over the…
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19 July

Apps & Technology

Is Deliveroo moving customers from cover to couch?

Stolen food, high commission prices, overworked staff and ruining restaurants’ relationships with their customers – just a few claims made by restaurateurs who partner with door-to-door delivery apps such as Deliveroo. The massive growth of the British-born smartphone app, which allows customers to order meals from well-known high street restaurants…
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19 July

Advice

Practical, easy and cost-effective ideas to improve your pub

The current casual dining market offers pubs a unique opportunity to maximise the appeal of their venues with interesting interiors and alfresco facilities. It is simply impossible for pubs to survive offering mediocre food, drink and service – the customer has lots of choice. Pubs are a uniquely British hospitality…
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18 July

Apps & Technology

Artificial hamburgers to hit restaurants by 2021

A Dutch company that has created a lab-produced hamburger, Mosa Meat, has received £6.7m to bring its creation to restaurants from 2021. The majority of the company’s investment fund was from German company M Ventures and Bell Food Group. Mosa Meat said the German company were frontrunners in the production…
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17 July

Business

Equinoxe Solutions appoints new chairman

Purchasing group Equinoxe Solutions has appointed Mark Aylwin as its new chairman. Aylwin has been in the food and drinks industry for more than 35 years, having served on the Boards of Booker Group, Blueheath, Conviviality, Musgrave GB and Safeway. He has also made an equity investment in the business…
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