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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Jun- 2025 -9 JunePubs and Bars
McMullens FY pre-tax profits rise 34.4% to £16.4m
Brewery and pub operator, McMullen’s, has reported that its profits before corporation tax jumped by 34.4% to £16.4m in the year to 28 September 2024, due to a strong performance in its retail division. While the group has stated that, in nominal terms, its profit performance now exceeds pre-pandemic levels,…
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9 JunePeople
Kate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair
UKHospitality has announced that current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair, while current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO. At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president. The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson…
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6 JuneCafes and Coffee Shops
Black Sheep Coffee and Costa open new cafés on Edgware Road
Two major coffee chains, Black Sheep Coffee and Costa, have opened new sites on Edgware Road in the west end of London as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the area’s retail and hospitality offering. Speciality chain Black Sheep Coffee has launched a 3,000 sq ft site at 124 Edgware…
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5 JuneCafes and Coffee Shops
Cornish Bakery plots major UK expansion to over 400 sites
Cornish Bakery has unveiled plans to expand from 66 to more than 400 sites across the UK, with a focus on high street locations. The bakery chain, which began in a Cornish fishing village, has previously targeted tourist hotspots, retail outlets, motorway services and event venues such as the NEC…
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5 JunePubs and Bars
Young’s FY revenues jump 24.9% to £485.8m
Young’s has reported that total revenues rose by 24.9% to £485.8m in the year ended 31 March, thanks to strong like-for-like revenue growth of 5.7% supported by the pub group’s performance during Euro24 and the Christmas trading period. Adjusted EBITDA at Young’s also rose 23.2% to £113.6m, with managed house…
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4 JuneRestaurants
McDonald’s UK&I appoints new chief marketing officer
McDonald’s UK and Ireland has announced the appointment of Ben Fox as SVP, chief marketing officer. Fox replaces Michelle Graham Clare, who has taken on a global role as chief marketing officer and corporate vice president for the international operated markets segment (IOM). Fox has worked in the UK&I market…
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May- 2025 -30 MayPubs and Bars
Hydes to renovate the Old Plough with £550k investment
Hydes is continuing with its multi-million pound investment programme across its pub estate with a new £550k refurbishment of the Old Plough, a community pub based in the village of Ashton on Mersey. The latest £550k investment follows the completion of the refurbishment of Hydes’ award-winning pub and boutique hotel,…
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30 MayCafes and Coffee Shops
Cooks Coffee’s UK&I store sales soar 33% to £35m in FY25
Café chain Cooks Coffee has reported that its total franchisee store sales in the UK and Ireland have jumped 33% to NZ$79.6m (£35.1m) in the year to 31 March. Group revenues, which have been “highly” correlated to store sales, also rose 49% to NZ$7m (£3.09m). This includes NZ$1m (£440k) worth…
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29 MayPeople
City of London Corporation elects new Licensing Committee chairman
City of London Corporation has announced the appointment of John Fletcher as its new Licensing Committee chairman. In his new role, he will ensure that the committee exercises the City Corporation’s local authority licensing function under the Licensing Act 2003. As such, he is responsible for licensing premises for the…
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28 MayCatering Companies
Levy appoints Thomas Rhodes to new culinary sustainability role
Levy UK and Ireland, the sports and hospitality arm of Compass Group UK and Ireland, has announced the appointment of Thomas Rhodes as its new head of Culinary – Procurement and Sustainability. Rhodes, who moves from his current role as Levy executive head chef at Allianz Stadium, will work alongside…
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