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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Apr- 2021 -9 AprilFeatures
An al fresco reopening is a tail of two fortunes
The time is nearing for Boris Johnson’s roadmap to recovery to finally facilitate the reopening of the hospitality industry, with outdoor venues once again allowed to return to trading on 12 April. The easing of restrictions is without doubt greatly anticipated by all involved, but does the four-staged strategy perpetuate…
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1 AprilGovernment
Treasury Committee launches inquiry into job recovery post-Covid
The Treasury Committee has announced it has launched an inquiry into job, growth and productivity recovery after the pandemic. The cross-party group of MPs will examine how the government can reduce and mitigate the economic damage and job losses resulting from the pandemic. Mel Stride MP, chair of the Treasury…
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Mar- 2021 -16 MarchFood and Drink
Greggs swings to £13.7m FY20 loss
Greggs has posted a £13.7m loss-before-tax for the 53 weeks ended 2 January 2021, down from profits of £108.3m in 2019. The group attributed its first annual loss since the firm became a listed business in 1984 to “lower-than-normal sales levels” throughout the pandemic. The company’s revenues for the period…
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15 MarchCoronavirus
Scottish trade bodies offer gov route out of lockdown
Scottish Hospitality Group, UK Hospitality Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Night Time Industries Association and the Scottish Beer and Pub Association have written to the government setting out a “pragmatic approach that will avoid catastrophic business failure across the sector”. A united set of recommendations from organisations representing Scotland’s hospitality…
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9 MarchFeatures
Government signals sunny days ahead for the hospitality industry
Over the past two weeks the government has shone a ray of light upon what was building towards a foreboding number of months ahead for the hospitality sector. However, do Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” to recovery and Rishi Sunak’s budget announcement entail a season of Spring sunshine or April showers ahead…
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9 MarchPubs and Bars
Oakman Group expands portfolio by six
The Oakman Group has announced the acquisition of six pubs from the administrators of Seafood Pub Company, expanding its portfolio by 20%. The deal sees Joycelyn Neve, founder and former managing director (MD) at Seafood, join the Oakman Group as MD of the newly formed Seafood Pub northern division. Some…
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4 MarchCafes and Coffee Shops
Gong cha continues growth plans with launch of new Newcastle site
Gong cha, an authentic Taiwanese bubble tea brand has announced plans to open a new site in Haymarket, Newcastle as part of its launch strategy in England. According to Gong cha England, the UK-based operator for the brand, the “city’s large student population and vibrant young professionals’ sector” was one…
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3 MarchEducation
Hospitality sector urges gov to protect apprenticeship funding
Hospitality industry leaders are calling on the government to “throw a protective ring” around apprenticeships funding and youth employment in the sector, in order to make the training and development of the future hospitality workforce a “cornerstone of the recovery”. Leaders from a cross-section of the industry, including charities, trade…
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Feb- 2021 -26 FebruaryPeople
Yo Sushi appoints new chair
Yo Sushi has announced that John Walden has joined the group as its new chairman. It comes as present chairman Eric Nicoli is stepping down to pursue other interests, having joined the group in 2015 following the acquisition of the company by Mayfair Private Equity. According to the group, he…
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26 FebruaryRestaurants
Various Eateries FY20 revenues fall 36%
Restaurant group Various Eateries has reported revenues for the year ended 27 September 2020 of £16.5m, a year-on-year decline of 36%. The group also revealed that it swung to an EBITDA loss before exceptional costs of £1.7m, down from profits of £817,000 in 2019. While Various Eateries partly attributed its…
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