Operating Costs
Focused reporting on the rising pressures and cost variables affecting foodservice businesses across the UK. This section explores key factors such as energy bills, rent, labour, insurance, business rates, and supplier pricing, alongside F&B margin management and cost-control strategies. Built for operators, chefs, and hospitality executives, it delivers insight into navigating inflation, protecting profitability, and adapting business models to withstand ongoing economic volatility.
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Aug- 2022 -16 AugustPubs and Bars
Hospitality bodies call for ‘urgent action’ on pub staff shortages
“Urgent action” is needed on staff shortages in pubs amid new employment figures being released, according to Hospitality bodies BBPA and UKH. In the latest figures, The ONS found that the number of job vacancies dropped for the first time since 2020, falling to 1.274 million, a decrease of 19,800…
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Apr- 2022 -12 AprilPeople
Front of house workers to benefit most from NLW rise, data finds
The new National Living Wage (NLW) rates will mostly benefit front-of-house workers, who will see their hourly wage increased to be more in line with that of their counterparts in back-of-house roles, according to new research from Fourth. For businesses, however, it said this means a further squeeze on margins…
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1 AprilGovernment
VAT rise to result in double-digit price increases, UKH warns
VAT in hospitality will rise from 12.5% to 20% on 1 April 2022, which UKH said “will result in double-digit price increases for consumers as operators struggle to survive” as the sector is forecasting cost inflation running at 18%. Recent business surveys show the industry is facing a 95% hike…
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Dec- 2021 -9 DecemberBusiness
SSP Group revenue falls 41% in FY21
SSP Group, a global operator of food and beverage outlets, has announced its revenue fell by 41.8% from £1.43bn in 2020 to £834.2m in the year ending 30 September 2021, and by 70.1% compared to 2019 levels. The group’s operating loss was £309.2m in FY21, including credit for non-underlying net…
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Oct- 2021 -19 OctoberRestaurants
D&D suffers from staff shortages
The revenue growth of D&D has been held back by staff shortages, D&D has revealed. Trading in each of its new restaurant openings, which opened since or shortly before Covid, are constrained by the availability of skilled staff. This includes sites at 14 Hills, Klosterhaus in Bristol, and Haugen in…
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Sep- 2021 -1 SeptemberBusiness
SSP Group appoints new deputy CEO
SSP Group, an operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has announced that Jonathan Davies has been appointed as deputy CEO. He will step into the position with immediate effect, and will also continue in his current role of CFO. This follows the recent announcement that Simon…
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Mar- 2021 -3 MarchGovernment
Welsh Gov grants £30m for hospitality, leisure, and tourism
The Welsh Government has announced a £30m support package for hospitality, leisure, and tourism businesses impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 measures. The funding is aimed at businesses employing ten staff or over, recognising the higher level of operating costs that they face. Ken Skates, minister for the economy, transport and…
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Jul- 2020 -10 JulyCoronavirus
Oakman Inns appoints new CEO and chair as sales slide 17%
Oakman Inns has announced a series of board changes including the appointment of Dermot King as chief executive, also revealing that FY sales fell by 17% due to Covid-19. Prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Oakman revealed it was “trading well” with LFL sales up 4.3% year to…
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Apr- 2020 -16 AprilCoronavirus
Mitchells and Butlers furloughs 99% of staff
Mitchells and Butlers announced it has furloughed 99% of its workforce in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came as the leading operator of managed restaurants and pubs, including Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One and Miller and Carter, announced a series of measures to reduce its cost…
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Mar- 2020 -12 MarchComment
Coronavirus: How to mitigate revenue and footfall declines
This week, UK trade body UKHospitality called on the government to support the hospitality industry as it deals with the ongoing and wide-spread threat of the coronavirus. Latest figures released by the trade body state that eating and drinking out has declined by 7%, while forward bookings across hotels, restaurants,…
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