| Friday 29th April 2022 |
| Friday Opinion |
Subjects: Help us put an end to the hospitality recruitment crisis forever, the war on food and drink resumes, saying ‘I do’ to pub nuptialsAuthors: Mark McCulloch, Paul Chase, Glynn Davisview |
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| Friday 29th April 2022 |
| Update: Merlin CEO Nick Varney to retire, Nightcap Q3 update, higher prices, empty shop numbers |
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Nick Varney to step down as CEO of Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments has announced that Nick Varney, its chief executive, intends to retire. Varney has a 12-month notice period during which the company said it will identify hi … view |
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| Friday 29th April 2022 |
| Propel Friday News Briefing |
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London’s hospitality sector edges back as sales and footfall rise in Britain’s city centres: London’s pubs, bars and restaurants are gradually returning towards pre-covid-19 levels of visits after two years of disrupti … view |
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| Friday 29th April 2022 |
| London’s hospitality sector edges back as sales and footfall rise in Britain’s city centres |
| London’s hospitality sector edges back as sales and footfall rise in Britain’view |
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| Thursday 28th April 2022 |
| McDonald's first-quarter results, Leonardo DiCaprio joins Neat Burger as strategic investor as it launches fundraise |
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McDonald’s reports global like-for-likes up 11.8% in first quarter with strong UK growth: McDonald’s has reported global like-for-likes were up 11.8% in its first quarter ending 31 March 2022 – with the UK seeing “strong” growth … view |
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| Thursday 28th April 2022 |
| Update: Whitbread reports strong current trading momentum, but pub restaurants experience slower recovery |
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Whitbread reports strong current trading momentum, pub restaurants seen slower recovery: Whitbread has this morning reported “sustained outperformance in UK with strong current trading momentum”. The Premier Inn owner reported a “st … view |
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| Thursday 28th April 2022 |
| Propel Thursday News Briefing |
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Global bakery brand Paris Baguette plans ‘significant push’ into UK, eyes 250 sites: South Korean-born bakery brand Paris Baguette, which operates just under 4,000 sites worldwide, plans a “significant push” into the UK, and initi … view |
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| Wednesday 27th April 2022 |
| Exclusive: Roger Wade to step down as CEO of Boxpark |
| Exclusive – Roger Wade to step down as CEO of Boxpark: Roger Wade is to step down as chief executive of Boxpark, the multi-award-winning hospitality and leisure operator he founded more than a decade ago, Propel has learned. Wade, the former … view |
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| Wednesday 27th April 2022 |
| Exclusive: Amber Taverns appoints advisors as its gears up to review its options |
| Exclusive – Amber Taverns appoints advisors as its gears up to review its options: Amber Taverns, the wet-led, freehold community pub operator, has appointed advisors as its gears up to review its options, which could include a sale of the c … view |
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| Wednesday 27th April 2022 |
| Update: City Pub Group confident that 2022 trading will exceed 2019 by the end of Q2, to acquire Mosaic Pubs next year |
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City Pub Group confident that 2022 trading will exceed 2019 by the end of Q2, to acquire Mosaic next year: City Pub Group, which owns and operates 41 premium pubs across southern England and Wales and a further three development sites, h … view |
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| Wednesday 27th April 2022 |
| Propel Wednesday News Briefing |
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Burger King becomes first UK QSR brand to use reusable packs: Burger King UK is to trial reusable and returnable packaging, in support of its efforts to slash single-use plastic from its restaurants by 2025. The company has partnered with … view |
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| Tuesday 26th April 2022 |
| Update: Loungers, Nightcap, Costa, Barkby Group |
| Loungers announces record sales for the 52 weeks to 17 April 2022: Loungers, the operator of 164 Lounge cafe-bars and 31 Cosy Club restaurant-bars, has announced record sales for the 52 weeks ending 17 April 2022. The company said: “Our sig … view |
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| Tuesday 26th April 2022 |
| Propel Tuesday News Briefing |
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JD Wetherspoon set to invest £750m over next decade on new pubs and extensions, Lloyds performing better than rest of estate: JD Wetherspoon has said it expects to invest about £75m a year in opening new pubs and enlarging existing ones … view |
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| Monday 25th April 2022 |
| Burger King eyes additional 200 UK restaurants as it plots £600m London float |
| Burger King eyes additional 200 UK restaurants as it plots £600m London float, full-year revenue jumps 68%: Burger King is eyeing an additional 200 restaurants in the UK over the next four years, after “significant under-penetration” in … view |
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| Monday 25th April 2022 |
| Update: Just Eat, night-time tzars, AB InBev, Bourne Leisure, job vacancies, Chapel Down |
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Activist urges investors to move against Just Eat Takeaway’s board: Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET) is set for a showdown with investors at next week’s annual meeting, with one top shareholder alleging that the company misled shareholder … view |
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| Monday 25th April 2022 |
| Propel Monday News Briefing |
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Black Sheep Coffee to enter US market this year, UK estate to reach 100 sites, plans drive-thru format: London-based speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee plans to make its debut in the US before the end of the year and has s … view |
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| Friday 22nd April 2022 |
| Friday Opinion |
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Subjects: In defence of calories on menus, making delivery profitable, soul food in London’s West End Authors: Ann Elliott, Glynn Davis, Julia Wilkinson In defence of calories on menus by An … view |
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| Friday 22nd April 2022 |
| Propel Friday News Briefing |
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Managed groups’ like-for-like sales up 4% in March on pre-pandemic levels but inflation holds down growth, bars strongest performers: Britain’s managed restaurant, pub and bar groups saw like-for-like sales increase 4% in March on pre … view |
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| Friday 22nd April 2022 |
| Managed groups’ like-for-like sales up 4% in March on pre-pandemic levels but inflation holds down growth |
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Managed groups’ like-for-like sales up 4% in March on pre-pandemic levels but inflation holds down growth, bars strongest performers: Britain’s managed restaurant, pub and bar groups saw like-for-like sales increase 4% in March on pre … view |
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| Thursday 21st April 2022 |
| Leon-owner EG Group plans to create 32,000 jobs over next five years, ups average hourly pay to £10.05 in UK |
| Leon-owner EG Group plans to create 32,000 jobs over next five years, ups average hourly pay to £10.05 in UK: EG Group, the owner of Leon, has announced plans to create more than 32,000 jobs globally over a five-year period, driven by a “su … view |
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| Thursday 21st April 2022 |
| Landsec to offer hospitality more flexible leased models |
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Landsec to offer hospitality more flexible leased models: Property landlord Landsec has launched a new product offering for retail and hospitality brands, developed in response to rising demand from digital natives and the rapidly evolvin … view |
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| Thursday 21st April 2022 |
| Propel Thursday News Briefing |
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Just Eat Takeaway considers selling US arm Grubhub as orders fall: Just Eat Takeaway is considering selling off its Grubhub arm after reporting a decline in orders compared with bumper levels during covid lockdowns. The company only agree … view |
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| Wednesday 20th April 2022 |
| UKHospitality – beefed up powers for CMA should help stamp out fake reviews |
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UKHospitality – beefed up powers for CMA should help stamp out fake reviews: The government is to give the Competition and Markets Authority enhanced powers – these include, for the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit, creating enforceable … view |
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| Wednesday 20th April 2022 |
| Propel Wednesday News Briefing |
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Number of licensed premises in Britain down 9,200 since start of pandemic: The number of licensed premises in Britain has fallen by 9,200 since the start of the pandemic – a net decline of 8% of all sites, the latest Market Recovery Mon … view |
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| Wednesday 20th April 2022 |
| Number of licensed premises in Britain down 9,200 since start of pandemic |
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Number of licensed premises in Britain down 9,200 since start of pandemic: The number of licensed premises in Britain has fallen by 9,200 since the start of the pandemic – a net decline of 8% of all sites, the latest Market Recovery Mon … view |
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| Tuesday 19th April 2022 |
| Propel Tuesday News Briefing |
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NPD Group – strong value for money and a multi-channel approach key to success in 2022 and beyond, lunch visits take biggest hit: Strong value for money and a multi-channel approach will be the keys to succeeding in 2022 and beyond, Set … view |
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| Tuesday 19th April 2022 |
| Rekom – appetite for nights out is as high as ever, people going out earlier, acquires Southampton business |
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Rekom – appetite for nights out is as high as ever, people going out earlier, acquires Southampton business: Peter Marks, executive chairman of Rekom UK, the UK’s largest nightclub operator, has told Propel the British public’s appe … view |
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| Sunday 17th April 2022 |
| D&D London back on the market after failed sale talks, Hall & Woodhouse returns to profit |
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D&D London back on the market after failed sale talks, Berisha to take MD role: Restaurant operator D&D London has been placed back on the market after talks with UK-based investment firm Montecito Equity Partners, over a deal that would … view |
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| Thursday 14th April 2022 |
| Propel Thursday News Briefing |
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Sethi – JKS set to focus on Thai cuisine, central London rental levels back to pre-covid levels: Jyotin Sethi, co-founder of JKS Restaurants, has told Propel that the next cuisine the business will look to focus on is Thai, and that it … view |
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| Wednesday 13th April 2022 |
| Legal Briefing |
Navigating complex opportunities by Michelle Hazlewood and Luke ElfordJust when we thought we had a glimmer of normality and stability, the situation has become quite complicated. Hospitality has been faced with complex legislation rela … view |
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| Wednesday 13th April 2022 |
| Propel Wednesday News Briefing |
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PizzaExpress sees “massive change” in workforce demographic, 40% now under 20: PizzaExpress has seen a “massive change” in the demographics of its workforce, with 40% now under 20 years old. Speaking at Propel’s recent Multi Clu … view |
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| Wednesday 13th April 2022 |
| Arc Inspirations to accelerate growth with £19m BGF investment |
| Arc Inspirations to accelerate growth with £19m BGF investment: Leeds-based multi-site operator Arc Inspirations is set to accelerate its growth after securing significant investment from BGF for a significant minority stake in the Martin Wol … view |
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| Tuesday 12th April 2022 |
| Swingers aims for £550m valuation and growth to 17 sites within three years |
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Swingers aims for £550m valuation and growth to 17 sites within three years: Swingers, the crazy golf brand owned by London-based Institute of Competitive Socialising, has outlined its expansion plans for the next three years as it forec … view |
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| Tuesday 12th April 2022 |
| Update: Deliveroo, Adnams and Pret |
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Deliveroo reports ‘solid growth’ in first quarter with UK and Ireland orders up 20%: Deliveroo has reported ‘solid growth’ in the first quarter of 2022 with gross transaction value (GTV) up 12% year-on-year in constant currency … view |
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| Tuesday 12th April 2022 |
| Propel Tuesday News Briefing |
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Portobello Starboard secures £40m to help expand portfolio: Portobello Starboard, the new acquisition platform backed by private equity firm Zetland Capital and operated by Portobello Brewery, has secured a £40m loan from OakNorth Bank … view |
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| Tuesday 12th April 2022 |
| Year-on-year inflation in foodservice sector hit 10.2% in February, further increases ‘inevitable’ that ‘could create conditions worse than covid’ |
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Year-on-year inflation in foodservice sector hit 10.2% in February, further increases ‘inevitable’ that ‘could create conditions worse than covid’: Year-on-year inflation in the foodservice sector hit 10.2% in February 2022, with … view |
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| Monday 11th April 2022 |
| Update: Tortilla, Nightcap and Fentimans |
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Tortilla reports like-for-likes up 20.1% year-to-date, sees runway for growth to 200 sites: Tortilla, the UK’s largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, has reported like-for-like growth of 20.1% year to date, which the company sai … view |
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| Monday 11th April 2022 |
| Propel Monday News Briefing |
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Minor – long-term growth plan for Corbin & King will be ‘sustainable, measured and responsible’: Dillip Rajakarier, group chief executive of Minor International, which took full control of Corbin & King at the start of the month, ha … view |
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| Friday 8th April 2022 |
| Exclusive: Ghetto Golf operator secures £5m investment from Imbiba |
| Exclusive – Ghetto Golf operator secures £5m investment from Imbiba: Big Fang Collective, the Liverpool-based entertainment venue operator that owns the Ghetto Golf brand, has received a £5m investment from sector investor Imbiba, to aid i … view |
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| Friday 8th April 2022 |
| Friday Opinion |
Subjects: Hoping for the end of public health authoritarianism, using every last cut, the craft of expansion, better togetherAuthors: Paul Chase, Glynn Davis, Sarah Travell, Mike StrangeHoping for the end … view |
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| Friday 8th April 2022 |
| Update: Minor on Corbin & King dispute, Nightcap, Hollywood Bowl |
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New Wolseley owner accuses co-founder of causing ‘last resort’ sale: The Thai hotel group that won full control of London’s Wolseley and Delaunay restaurants last week has accused co-founder Jeremy King of refusing its offer to rec … view |
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| Friday 8th April 2022 |
| Propel Friday News Briefing |
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Campbell – inflation will be the next big challenge, but good teams and businesses will rise to it: Sector investor Paul Campbell believes inflation will be hospitality’s next big challenge – and one that it could take the rest of t … view |
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| Thursday 7th April 2022 |
| Exclusive: McDonald’s takes control of largest UK franchisee |
| Exclusive – McDonald’s takes control of largest UK franchisee: McDonald’s has taken control of its largest UK franchisee, the Appt Corporation, after completing a deal to buy out founder Atul Pathak’s shares, Propel has learned. The Ha … view |
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| Thursday 7th April 2022 |
| Propel Thursday News Briefing |
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Difficult market conditions ‘a temporary pause’, hospitality sector remains ‘attractive for investors’: Difficult market conditions caused by the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, the reversion of VAT to 20% and the war in Ukraine … view |
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| Wednesday 6th April 2022 |
| Update: Calorie labelling, covid illnesses hit business, services rebound |
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Diners in England will see calories on menus when they eat out from today: Restaurants, cafes and takeaways in England with more than 250 staff must print how many calories are in meals on their menus, websites, and on delivery platforms … view |
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| Wednesday 6th April 2022 |
| Propel Wednesday News Briefing |
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Albion & East to add multiple sites in coming two years, in double digit like-for-like growth: Albion & East, the Imbiba-backed, London-based bar business, plans to have an estate of at least nine sites by the end of June 2024, and report … view |
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| Tuesday 5th April 2022 |
| Neyba launches £15m fundraise to aid expansion across London |
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Neyba launches £15m fundraise to aid expansion across London: Neyba, the “multi-cuisine kitchen and grocer” concept from Burger & Lobster founder Misha Zelman, is looking to raise £15m, to underpin plans to expand across London. The … view |
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| Tuesday 5th April 2022 |
| Update: Pret Index, Starbucks, heightened risk of insolvency |
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Pret – Demand for airport coffee soars amid travel rebound: For the first time since the outbreak of covid-19, sales of Pret A Manger espressos and croissants at London’s airports are higher than they were before the crisis. Bloomber … view |
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| Tuesday 5th April 2022 |
| Propel Tuesday News Briefing |
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More than half of consumers’ say calorie labelling laws will influence choice of food and restaurant: More than half of consumers have said their eating habits and choice of restaurant will be influenced by new calorie labelling laws, a … view |
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| Monday 4th April 2022 |
| Update: Fulham Shore update, consumer confidence falls, BrewDog, gender pay gap |
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Fulham Shore expects to FY figures to be “comfortably ahead” of expectations: Fulham Shore, the owner of Franco Manca and The Real Greek, has said that it expects to report that revenue, Ebitda and adjusted headline Ebitda for the fi … view |
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| Monday 4th April 2022 |
| Propel Monday News Briefing |
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Parogon Pub Group aims to double portfolio over next three years with £15m investment, launches £5,000 ‘finder’s fee’ incentive: Staffordshire-based Parogon Group, which operates nine pubs in the region, plans to double its portfo … view |
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| Friday 1st April 2022 |
| Friday Opinion |
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Subjects: Tough times ahead for restaurants, give government credit where credit’s due, the City is still the place to be, introducing alcohol-free innovation Authors: Ann Elliott, Philip Smith, Glynn Davis, Jez Manterfie … view |
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| Friday 1st April 2022 |
| KSL invests in Pig Hotels, Jeremy King to leave Corbin & King |
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KSL invests in The Pig Hotels, plans further sites: Denver-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners has acquired a stake in The Pig Hotels, the eight-strong, rural boutique hotels group led by Robin Hutson, for an undisclosed sum. … view |
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| Friday 1st April 2022 |
| Propel Friday News Briefing |
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Red Engine boss – we could easily do 100 Flight Clubs and Electric Shuffles, trading getting back to pre-pandemic levels: Red Engine chief executive Steve Moore has told Propel he believes the company can take both its concepts – Flig … view |
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