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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Jan- 2019 -11 JanuaryBusiness
Pub operator Ei Group to sell 370 properties for £348m
Ei Group, the largest owner and operator of pubs in the UK, has announced it has agreed to sell 370 properties to Tavern Propco for the cash consideration of £348m. The group closed 2018 with 412 properties and the disposal of the sites will be comprised of public houses and…
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2 JanuaryPeople
Casual Dining Group makes senior management change whilst adding new courses
Casual Dining Group (CDG) has further developed its earning and development programme with the addition of new courses in partnership with UK universities, following the promotion of Claire Clarke to group HR director. Previously the people director, Clarke is now responsible for overseeing all strategic HR decisions across CDG. The…
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2 JanuaryCatering Companies
Sodexo wins £4m per year contract with Scottish Fire and Rescue
Catering company Sodexo has announced it has acquired a four-year contract worth £4m per year with Scottish Fire and Rescue (SFRS). The contract will see Sodexo deliver catering, cleaning, security and waste services. The agreement covers the full SFRS estate made up of 420 locations, including wholetime and retained duty…
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Dec- 2018 -19 DecemberBusiness
New openings see Hancock’s site count double in a year
Hancock’s American Kitchen and Bar, the family owned, Rochester-based restaurant group has opened three new outlets and reveals it has also signed a deal for a seventh unit. The chain, which started 2018 with one outlet, is currently trading ahead of expectations at The Quays in Chatham, The Atrium in…
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10 DecemberBreweries and Distilleries
Ossett Brewery sells 50% stake to private investor
National award-winning brewer and pub company operator Ossett Brewery has sold a 50% stake in the group business. It includes Ossett Brewery and its 26 retail sites, including 19 traditional pubs and restaurants, four ale and live music-centric bars trading as The HOP, the recently formed new business of Salt…
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7 DecemberAdvice
How improving internal communications improves operations
Many modern catering and hospitality teams are made up of large numbers of people spread over multiple sites, which presents unique operational challenges. These teams include those working for large hotel chains or catering at major events like music festivals and sporting meets, or one-off occasions such as weddings, corporate…
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3 DecemberOpinion
Following the success of Hygge or Lagom…businesses should now follow the mantra of Prajāva
The Swedish lifestyle concept has become big news in recent years. First Hygge (cosy) and then Lagom (just enough) have become massively popular, even boosting Sweden to the Top 10 ranking in the World Happiness Report. This got me thinking – what international concept would most benefit the business world…
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Nov- 2018 -28 NovemberBusiness
The Restaurant Group acquisition of Wagamama to go ahead
The Restaurant Group’s (TRG) acquisition of Wagamama is to go ahead despite 40% of shareholders voting against the deal. Shares in the group sank by 13% on Wednesday, with big name shareholders concerned about price and debt levels for the group. Debbie Hewitt, chairwoman of TRG, said she was pleased…
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26 NovemberFood and Drink
Mayor confirms ban on junk food advertising on TfL
Junk food advertising will be banned on the entire Transport for London (TfL) network from 25 February under new measures to help tackle child obesity, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, confirmed on 23 November. The decision follows a public consultation launched in May which found “overwhelming” support from Londoners…
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12 NovemberBusiness
Restaurant Group plans rights issue to fund Wagamama purchase
The Restaurant Group (TRG) has announced it is a offer a discounted rights issue in order to fund its purchase of Wagamama. As many as 290 million new shares are set to be issued in a ‘13 for nine’ rights issue priced at 108.5p. Current shareholders and analysts have already…
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