Strategy
This section highlights the strategic moves shaping the UK hospitality and foodservice industry. From brand repositioning and pricing models to diversification plans, leadership changes, and multi-site rollout strategies, our coverage provides valuable insight into how restaurant groups, pub chains, caterers, and bar operators are adapting to shifting market conditions. Whether you’re refining your business model, assessing competitor strategies, or making key investment decisions, this archive offers sharp editorial designed to support strategic thinking at every level of the foodservice sector.
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Feb- 2025 -14 FebruaryRestaurants
Sticks′n′Sushi appoints Simon Gaske as chief marketing officer
Sticks′n′Sushi, the 30-strong Danish-Japanese restaurant group with restaurants in the UK, Denmark and Germany, has appointed Simon Gaske as its chief marketing officer. With over 20 years’ in the hospitality industry, Gaske brings his extensive commercial experience to the business and will work closely with CEO Andreas Karlsson as the…
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Jan- 2025 -31 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 31/01/25
Loungers has agreed to Fortress Investment Group’s £354.4m takeover bid. News comes after Fortress submitted a revised deal after its first attempt of 310p a share was opposed by Loungers shareholders. The deal is due to be sanctioned in a court hearing expected to take place on Friday 7 February. …
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31 JanuaryCatering Companies
Houston and Hawkes appoints new sales director
Independent catering company Houston and Hawkes has announced the appointment of Jessica Burgess as its new sales director. She joins from a senior sales role at BaxterStorey, bringing over 12 years of experience in operations and business development within the foodservice and hospitality sector. In her new role, Burgess will…
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31 JanuaryPubs and Bars
Butcombe sees 7.8% rise in FY24 revenues
Butcombe Group, a privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group, has reported that its full-year LFL revenues were up by 7.8%, including 23% LFL across the two week Christmas period. For the year ended 25 January 2025, its standout performance was in food at 12% growth, with both accommodation…
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29 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 29/01/25
The hospitality sector ended 2024 with virtually the same number of premises as 12 months earlier. According to data from CGA, there were a total of 99,120 outlets operating in December 2024 – up slightly from 99,113 sites a year earlier. It represents a year of solid consolidation after contraction…
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29 JanuaryPeople
Boxpark appoints new chief financial officer
Hospitality and leisure group Boxpark has announced the appointment of Chris Burford as the group CFO to support and strengthen the operations and growth strategy of the business. With over 25 years’ experience working across private equity and venture capital backed enterprises in the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors, new…
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28 JanuaryFeatures
How will the Scottish budget affect businesses?
On 4 December 2024 first minister John Swinney announced the budget for Scotland for the period of 2025-2026. It followed the announcement of the budget for the rest of the UK by chancellor Rachel Reeves in October. As part of devolution powers introduced under the Tony Blair administration, the Scottish…
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27 JanuaryFood and Drink
Popeyes UK to open over 45 sites in 2025
Popeyes has announced plans to double its UK footprint with the opening of more than 45 new restaurants in 2025. In doing so, it will increase its presence in major cities including Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol as well as expanding further in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Scotland. The new sites…
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27 JanuaryFood and Drink
SSP Group names incoming CFO
The operator of F&B sites in travel locations, SSP Group, has announced that Geert Verellen will join in early April 2025 as CFO designate, following deputy chief executive and CFO Jonathan Davies’ intention to retire. Davies has been the group chief financial officer of SSP since its original formation within…
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22 JanuaryPubs and Bars
Marston’s sales rise 3% in Q1 despite poor weather
Marston’s has expressed confidence in delivering FY25 market expectations, as total sales rose 3% across managed and partnership pubs for the 16-week period to 18 January. Like-for-like sales during the same period also rose 2%, reflecting “strong” trading over the festive period offset by poor weather conditions in November and…
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