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Tue 27th Oct 2015 - Propel Tuesday News Briefing |
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Story of the Day:Whitbread secures 1,100 more bedrooms, five pub restaurant sites: Whitbread has secured 1,100 more Premier Inn bedrooms on sites across the UK as it builds towards its milestone target of 85,000 bedrooms by 2020. The sites range from Caterham in Surrey to Cockermouth in Cumbria and are in step with Premier Inn’s national expansion plans and drive to bring more great locations into its network and give customers even greater choice. The latest deals (subject to planning) are: Ambleside: a leasehold deal for a 90-bedroom Premier Inn (solus hotel); Bridlington: a freehold acquisition for an 80-bedroom Premier Inn plus Brewers Fayre restaurant; Caterham: a leasehold deal for a 107-bedroom Premier Inn plus Beefeater restaurant; Cockermouth: a freehold acquisition of the former Shepherd Hotel site for an 80-bedroom Premier Inn plus Brewers Fayre restaurant; Leeds Headingley: a leasehold deal for an office to 96-bedroom Premier Inn hotel conversion (solus hotel); Southgate, north London: a leasehold deal for an office to 90-bedroom hotel conversion site (solus hotel). The latest planning consents are: Tothill Street, Westminster, central London: for a 316-bedroom Hub by Premier Inn hotel, office to hotel conversion (freehold site); Blackpool: for an 150-bedroom Premier Inn hotel plus Brewers Fayre restaurant (leasehold site); Bournemouth: for an 128-bedroom Premier Inn hotel within a major mixed used scheme also including student accommodation and commercial/retail (leasehold site). The deals follow Whitbread’s latest financial update at which it reported total revenue up by 11.3% and underlying profits up by 13.8%. Jo Moon, director of acquisitions for Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants, said: “This latest crop of deals and planning permissions shows the quality of Premier Inn’s property proposition and how we can direct our investment into great new locations. From the south coast right up to Cumbria, we are doing great deals and delighted to be adding another 1,100 bedrooms to the Premier Inn portfolio. In London – one of our key markets – bringing a location like Tothill Street on line is a big statement for how we are delivering on growth in the capital and we want to do more office to hotel conversions like this. We’re extremely active right now and looking for more great sites that match our target locations nationwide.” Premier Inn is on course to bring approximately 5,000 new bedrooms into its secured development pipeline this year.
Industry News:NPD Group – one-third of all foodservice visits driven by millennials who also love a deal: One-third of all foodservice visits are driven by millennials – more than any other age group – who also love a deal. The findings by data research company NPD Group come as part of its insight about millennials – the 16 to 34 age group – in the British foodservice industry. It also found 53% of their visits to foodservice are driven by quick-service restaurants, 9% to full-service restaurants and pubs and 29% to other channels. They are more likely to choose a chain when eating out (58%) than the average foodservice consumer (54%). Promotions also rule for millennials with 30% of foodservice meals including a promotion or meal deal, compared to 26% for the average foodservice consumer. At £4.37 they spend less than the average consumer (£4.62). They are also more likely (31%) than the total foodservice consumer (29%) to eat or drink out for a snacking occasion. The research also revealed millennials following recommendations more and have special tastes/cravings. Although the foodservice market is recovering in visits since 2014, millennial consumers have only marginally increased their eating out occasions. This is the result of a negative trend among those ages 18 to 24 just balanced by a traffic growth by the 25 to 34 age group.
Chilango returns to Crowdcube and raises £665,080 in a day: Mexican brand Chilango has returned to crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to raise £1m – the company previously raised £2m through a mini-bond. The company is now offering 3.26% of its equity for £1m – so far, a total of £665,080 has been raised from 178 investors, which is 66% funded. Industry investors include Simon Kossoff, Chris Moore, Kevin Bacon, Frank Bandura and Mike Dowell. The company is forecasting sales of £9,676,971 in the year to September 2016 with Ebitda of £154,441 and a loss of £9,666,212. It forecasts turnover of £67,033,575 by September 2021 with Ebitda of £11,813,915 and pre-tax profit of £7,756,102.
Professor Chris Edger and Andy Emmerson book shortlisted for 2016 Management Book of the Year: The UK’s leading academic and thinker on multi-site foodservice management Professor Chris Edger and former Domino’s UK and Dunkin Donuts executive Andy Emmerson have had their book “Franchising: How both sides can win” shortlisted for the 2016 Management Book of the Year (MBOTY). The MBOTY, sponsored by the British Library, Henley Business School and the Chartered Management Institute, promotes and recognises “excellence in management and leadership writing”. A record entry of 170 long-listed books has been reduced to a small shortlist, including Edger and Emmerson’s book with the winner announced on 8 February at a ceremony at the British Library in London. “Franchising: How both sides can win” contains case studies with key insights from the owners and operators of successful franchise systems, including Domino’s Pizza, Costa Coffee, SSP, Spar, TGI Friday’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Haagen Dazs, and Burger & Lobster. The book is described as the “essential contemporary guide for aspiring franchisees or ambitious franchisors, providing comprehensive advice on how franchisors and franchisees can avoid potential elephant traps, laying out both the key success factors that enable both parties to win”. Edger has a further two books out in 2016; “Effective Brand Leadership – Be Different. Stay Different. Or Perish!” with former Mitchells & Butlers restaurants division managing director Tony Hughes and “Area Management – Models and Frameworks for Organic Growth”.
Sainsbury’s trialling ‘mini’ convenience store format: Sainsbury’s could triple the number of its convenience stores if the trial of a “micro” supermarket format proves successful, the FT has reported. The company said it is experimenting with the opening of a 1,000 square foot store in central London, with fewer groceries than a typical convenience store and the focus on largely fresh produce. Mike Coupe, Sainsbury chief executive, said the “micro” stores would be suitable for densely populated urban areas, where there were large numbers of office workers, or residents travelling to and from work every day. He added the grocer could eventually have up to 1,000 of the “mini stores”, which are about a third of the size of a traditional small supermarket. The expansion of the “micro” stores would be in addition to the growth of Sainsbury’s regular convenience estate of stores of up to 3,000 square foot each. It has 750 conventional convenience stores, but Coupe said there was scope to increase this to 1,500.
BBPA challenges IAS’ alcohol impact on emergency services report findings: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has challenged the findings of the Institute of Alcohol Studies’ (IAS) alcohol impact on emergency services report. The report, based on a self-reporting survey of nearly 5,000 frontline personnel in the emergency services, said 76% of police and 50% of ambulance staff have been injured by alcohol-related violence and alcohol-related incidents take up as much as half of the emergency services’ time. It led to IAS director Katherine Brown to call on the government to better support the emergency services and “implement policies to ease this burden, such as minimum unit pricing for alcohol”. She added: “Local authorities could also do more by using their licensing powers more proactively, such as trying to bring forward extremely late closing times where needed.” However, some 80% of respondents came from the police while less than 400 ambulance workers responded to the IAS’ request. BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “We will be studying this report, but 24-hour drinking is very much a myth, as on average, pubs close less than half an hour later than they did under the previous licensing act. Local authorities have plenty of powers to restrict licensing hours and close down premises that do not behave responsibly. However, pubs provide a vital community function and we want to encourage drinking in a responsible environment like the pub. UK alcohol consumption is falling overall and is down 18% since 2004. We need to encourage partnerships at a local level, from Pubwatch to Business Improvement Districts or Best Bar None, so that local communities, police, local authorities and the industry can work together to find the best solutions. It is hugely important for the success of our high streets that there is a vibrant day and evening economy – and there is plenty of evidence that many towns and cities are achieving the right balance.”
Company News:Ramsay eyes two more Hong Kong openings: Chef Gordon Ramsay plans to open two more restaurants in Hong Kong next year, despite concern about high rents. Ramsay plans to open Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips and Maze Grill. His first restaurant in the city was Bread Street Kitchen in Central, which he opened last year and he has just opened London House in Tsim Sha Tsui. Ramsay said: “We’ve tested the Hong Kong waters and those waters are brilliant. Hong Kong – it’s like a jewel in the crown now for us. The amount of interest since launching Bread Street Kitchen has been phenomenal. Hong Kong London, Paris, New York – they all simultaneously roll round in circles so we share a lot of customers. Now we’re looking at a site for Maze Grill – it’s really exciting. It’s a sushi and steak concept, huge Asian influence with the appetisers and a really cool array of steaks. We have Maze Grills in London and potentially about to open one in Vegas. Hong Kong is a great hub for us.”
TGI Friday’s launches new app offering multiple rewards: TGI Friday’s has launched a brand new app offering of rewards, features and benefits for those who sign up to be a friend of Friday’s, from free burgers to Apple Watches – and a free appetiser with every download. As well as allowing guests to browse the Friday’s menu, make bookings, and find out where their nearest restaurant is, it also allows them to browse offers available at their local restaurants, receive rewards, and gives them up to six free cocktails on their birthday and half birthday each year. The app gives guests a virtual scratch card after every visit to Friday’s, with prizes ranging from Jack Daniel’s Burgers to brand new Apple Watches. There’s a prize on every single scratch card. The app allows users to browse the offers available at their local restaurant, as well as allowing them to store rewards in a folder to be used at a later date. These include “App for an App” – customers can download the app and receive a free appetiser on their next visit to Friday’s. Customers also receive a free appetiser when they recommend the app to a friend. Rachel Waller, marketing manager for TGI Friday’s UK, said: “At Friday’s, we love to embrace the latest technology and the new app is going to be a real game-changer for our guests in terms of their Friday’s experience and the unrivalled rewards it offers. It definitely deserves a place on your smartphone or tablet.”
AB InBev reports profits trebled in UK: Stella Artois and Budweiser brewer AB InBev has reported turnover rose to £1.159bn in 2014, up from £1.112bn the year before. Pre-tax profit was £36,596,000, up from £12,941,000 the year before. The company stated: “A number of marketing campaigns and initiatives during 2014 helped to improve the awareness of our key brands and subsequent rate of sale in both the on and off-trade markets. To sustain volumes the company has focused on targeting key on-trade growth areas, primarily in urban centres such as London, with the development of strategic sales representatives working in clearly defined territories.” The company reported sales of Stella Artois rose by 32% in June and July 2015, compared to the same months the year before, much of which is linked to sponsorship of Wimbledon, Ascot and the PGA English Open golf tournament.
CAU to launch first restaurant in Scotland next month: CAU, the Argentinian-inspired restaurant brand owned by Gaucho, will launch its first restaurant in Scotland next month. The brand is opening a venue in Glasgow, which will be its 14th site and seventh to open in 2015. The Glasgow site is set across two storeys, with a bar on the ground floor, and also sees the introduction of CAU’s first own brand beer: named La Gringer Pilsner – and brewed in Germany. The restaurant will also offer an express menu Monday to Friday and similar to its Kingston venue, there is a terrace area that has additional seating. As with the group’s other restaurants, the design includes corrugated booth seating and sky and grass imagery. Marketing director Charley Springall said: “It gives me no greater pleasure then to announce that CAU is bringing the vibrancy of Buenos Aires to the north of Great Britain. Residents of Glasgow should prepare themselves for an exciting new flavour on their high street.” CAU was launched in 2012 and its other restaurants include Bristol, Liverpool, Guildford and its latest site in Didsbury, Manchester, which opened earlier this month.
First insect restaurant to open in Britain next week: The first insect restaurant in Britain will open in Wales next week. Grub Kitchen is being launched in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, by chef Adam Holcroft, who previously worked at the Cwtch restaurant in the city. Holcroft is setting up a permanent base at Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, a science attraction run by entomologist and television presenter Dr Sarah Benyon, after a run of successful pop-up cafes in 2014. The menu includes chilli cricket cocktail with bloody Mary salsa and lemon chapuline salt and grub bug burgers with a sour dough and cricket flour bun, parmesan and rosemary polenta chips, tzatziki, chilli salt and tomato relish. For guests not fancying insects, they can also choose steaks, pulled pork, fish and vegetarian options. Holcroft told The Independent he wanted to make people think about their food. He added: “I’ve always been really interested in trying to do something different with food. Kids love the edible insects – they don’t have that fear factor. I wouldn’t expect everyone to like them, in the same way I wouldn’t expect everyone to like fish or mushrooms or pork.”
BrewDog starts work on US brewery: BrewDog has started work on its US brewery. The company stated: “Work has now commenced at the 42-acre site on Gender Road, 20 minutes from Downtown Columbus. Our 100,000 square foot brewery, US headquarters and visitor centre will soon take shape once the land has been cleared and utilities laid. Our BrewDog USA team – of which there are now three – have worked round the clock to make all of this a reality, bolstered by the welcome from local people and the craft beer community in the area. And that’s no exaggeration – we are still surfing a near-overwhelming wave of public support over in Ohio. The people of the Midwest have more than lived up to their reputation for being friendly to those from out of town. We have an amazing partner in place at Exxcel Project Management who are securing a fantastic team of design and construction companies, meaning we can get on with the super-cool task of selecting the steel vessels to be shipped to the site. Our 200HL brewhouse will be on order soon, alongside a series of tanks from 100 to 800HL, through to the eventual Punk IPA-filled 1,800HL vessels as we expand the facility once everything else is in place.”
Majestic Wine scraps six bottle rule, offers discounts: Majestic Wine, the UK’s largest wine specialist, is implementing a new pricing strategy throughout its store network and online from today (Tuesday, 27 October), including removal of the six bottle minimum purchase rule. This new pricing proposition has been created with the aim of making the shopping experience simpler and easier for both new and existing customers. The decision to also remove the six bottle minimum purchase rule follows the previously announced successful trial in selected Majestic stores since spring 2015 proving popular with both new and existing customers. In addition, for this Christmas, if customers mix any six wines and spirits, they get: at least 10%, and up to 33%, off all wines and spirits; money back guarantee – a full refund, without delay or debate, if you’re not satisfied with any product; free delivery and free glass hire. Chief executive Rowan Gormley said: “Our customers were telling us that they wanted simpler, clearer pricing, and an end to the six bottle minimum. This new structure is part of our wider plan to reposition Majestic Wine to become the go-to destination for the best quality wines at the best prices. There are now no barriers to shopping at Majestic, the pricing structure is very straightforward and I’m sure our customers will see this as a great move.”
Former Benugo head of development says his Neapolitan pizzeria concept has potential to expand: Former Benugo head of development Rupert Davidson has said his Neapolitan pizzeria concept Fatto a Mano has the potential to expand. Davidson, who launched the concept in London Road, Brighton, in September, told Propel once the restaurant had bedded itself in, he would look at opening a second in or around the city. He said: “At this point I want to produce amazing pizza and give customers exceptional service. When I feel we are nearly there then I will look at another site but I won’t ever plan to head into central London – instead I will be looking for up and coming areas, which don’t have crazy rents. I would be looking at about 60 covers and even up to 80, but no higher. At the moment we only need 25 diners in here and we have an amazing buzz; maintaining this atmosphere is really important.” Davidson is also keen on opening a second site of his cafe concept Bread and Milk, which launched in the North Laines area of Brighton in 2012 and is about to undergo a redesign to give the brand “more definition”. He added: “I would like to open another store which has the bakery part really visible.”
Loungers to open in Swansea in December: Bristol-based cafe-bar brand Loungers is to open its first site in Swansea – and sixth in Wales. The company will launch the Zinco Lounge in unit four of 24-26 Princess Way, joining the likes of Zara and Coffee #1, on Wednesday, 9 December, reports Wales Online. Loungers has more than 50 sites in the UK including three in Cardiff – Juno Lounge, Fino Lounge and Ocho Lounge – while Drago Lounge is set to open at the Friars Walk shopping centre in Newport on Thursday, 12 November. It has also secured a site at the new Oyster Wharf complex being developed in Mumbles, Swansea.
JD Wetherspoon extends roof garden strategy with plan for Boston site: JD Wetherspoon is extending its strategy of adding rooftop areas to existing pubs with a plans to build a new roof garden with an open balcony overhanging the River Haven at its site in Boston, Lincolnshire. The company, which is believed to have “bought-in” the freehold of the site two years ago, has submitted plans to create a first floor garden overlooking the river at its Moon Under Water pub in the town centre. The pub, which runs along the side of the river, is also planning a new customer area at first floor level, new toilets and staff facilities at second floor level and other refurbishment works as well as the new roof garden with balcony. JD Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Moon Under Water is well established in Boston and continues to be popular with a wide range of customers. We are always keen to offer our customers the best possible pub and as a result are looking to make improvements which we believe will enhance the existing outlet.” The plans have been submitted to Boston Borough Council’s planning committee, which will debate on the matter in December.
Five Guys names December for second restaurant opening in Cardiff: Better burger brand Five Guys will open its second restaurant in Cardiff on Monday, 14 December. The company, which launched its first venue in the city at the Brewery Quarter in March, will open the site at The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay. The restaurant will be Five Guys’ third site in Wales with the company due to open a restaurant in Swansea this week. The brand, formed in the US in 1986 by the Murrell family, opened its first restaurant in the UK in Covent Garden, London, in July 2013.
Marston’s unveils plans for new-build pub/restaurant in Canterbury: Marston’s has unveiled plans for a new-build pub/restaurant in Canterbury, Kent. The company is proposing to build the two-storey site in Ashford Road, near the Milton Manor roundabout, creating 50 jobs, reports Kent Online. It has outlined its proposal to residents in a leaflet ahead of submitting a planning application to Canterbury City Council. It said: “We are seeking your opinions on the exciting development proposals for a new Marston’s pub/restaurant. We would like to hear your views before the designs are completed and submitted to Canterbury City Council.” The company added the pub/restaurant would provide a “community and family orientated environment, focused on eating, in a traditional English pub setting”.
Plans lodged to demolish former Nottingham nightclub and build six restaurants: Plans have been lodged to demolish the former Isis nightclub in Nottingham and build six restaurants. Developer Oakgate Retail has applied to Nottingham City Council to transform the site in Redfield Way, creating 140 jobs. In planning documents, commercial and residential property firm Jones Lang LaSalle said there was already strong interest in the site, reports the Nottingham Post. The application states: “Market interest in the six units has been very strong over recent months with three operators entering the legal stage to secure their respective units. At least four, and possibly all units will be taken up by operators that already have representation within the city centre of Nottingham Therefore those operators have covered their city centre requirement and have a secure catchment of city centre customers.” If the plan is approved, the site will form into an L-shape with two entrances to the restaurant hub providing 100 parking spaces.
Duncan Bannatyne reports ‘best year’ but suffers ‘substantial fraud’: The health club business operated by Duncan Bannatyne is on track for the “best year” in its history with a new management team driving the company forward after posting accounts which reflect an alleged “substantial fraud” committed over previous years, the former Dragons’ Den star has said. Bannatyne Fitness operates 59 clubs across the UK having established its first operation in Ingleby Barwick in 1997. In its latest set of accounts for the year to 31 December 2014, a strategic report signed off by Bannatyne alleged directors “identified that misappropriation of the company and the group’s assets had been occurring for a number of years by a former employee”. As a result, exceptional costs of £1.13m were incurred during the 2014 financial year following further costs of £3.17m the year before. “Consequently, the group has undergone a thorough review of internal controls and made necessary changes to protect the company and the group, as far as it reasonably possible, from exposure to such risks in the future,” said Bannatyne. For the year to 31 December 2014, Bannatyne Fitness posted a turnover of £88.2m, compared with a restated £88.8m in 2013. However, pre-tax profit took a hit and fell from £9.89m to £2.99m. In a statement Bannatyne said: “These accounts reflect the substantial fraud committed against the company. A new management team is now in place and 2015 is shaping up to be the best year in the company’s history with increased turnover, membership numbers, membership yield and profit.”
Turtle Bay to open first restaurant in Wales: Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay is to open its first site in Wales. The company will open a venue in Cardiff on the ground floor of Hodge House in St Mary’s Street, creating 60 jobs. It is investing £800,000 in the 5,000 square foot site, which is due to open on Thursday, 10 December. The Cardiff restaurant will be the 23rd for Turtle Bay, which was founded by Ajith Jayawickrema in 2010. He told Wales Online: “We are really happy to be in Cardiff, and feel Caribbean food will be really popular with the local community. I think we’ll add to Cardiff’s growing culinary scene, and look forward to employing some of Cardiff’s great people.”
Six restaurant brands set to open at £40m new-look Nottingham shopping centre: Six restaurant brands are set to open at the £40m new-look Victoria shopping centre in Nottingham over the next six weeks. Joe’s Kitchen will be the first to set up shop in the Clocktower dining area and will welcoming customers from Thursday, creating 30 jobs. Handmade Burger Company is set to follow in the next fortnight while Coast to Coast, owned by The Restaurant Group, will open in late November. Other restaurant brands lined up to open sites before Christmas are Ed’s Easy Diner, Thai restaurant Thaikhun and Mexican restaurant Tortilla. Six more restaurants yet to be announced are due to fill the remaining sites in the dining quarter. Regional centre manager Janine Bone told the Nottingham Post: “We want more people to come to Nottingham and stay here longer. We already have a huge footfall in the centre. We have lacked the food offer in the past but that is no longer the case and we are now giving people a reason to stay. We really hope that this will attract thousands more to us and the city.”
Former Pizza Hut site in Southend to be converted into bar and restaurant: A former Pizza Hut site in Southend is to be converted into a bar and restaurant after planning permission was approved. The company left the unit on the corner of Southchurch Road and Chichester Road in February, after some three decades, following a review. It will now be converted into a bar and restaurant after a planning application submitted by AJ Enterprise in July to change the unit’s use was given the go-ahead by Southend Borough Council. The application was initially knocked back because of the lack of an acoustics report but has now been approved by officers, reports the Halstead Gazette. The company’s agents New World Designers said the applicant was a “local man and fully intended to go ahead with the plans”.
Protection sought for Leeds pub as historic gay pubs close: Historic England has warned LGBT history is in danger of being erased, as more and more historic gay venues close their doors. Rosie Sherrington from Historic England told Sky News: “A lot of this history is being lost. The places where gay, lesbian and trans people used to meet were often illegal. They were hidden. You had to go up a secret passage and knock on a door. That stuff is very easily lost and forgotten but actually these were the sorts of places that were pioneering in terms of politics, art, culture, music, fashion.” Leeds councillors have called for protection for the city’s historic New Penny Pub – which has been operating as a gay bar for over 60 years. They said: “This venue has been one of the longest LGBT venues in Leeds. It’s been running for 60 years now, which means it opened its doors to the gay community before even homosexuality was legalised. That’s something that’s worth marking and something that’s worth celebrating. It’s an opportunity for a city like Leeds to put the contribution of the LGBT community on the map and celebrate the contribution our LGBT community has made to the city.”
Dorset hotel company agrees £8.5m funding deal with Royal Bank of Scotland: FJB Hotels, which operates four properties across Dorset, has agreed an £8.5m funding deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The business operates four hotels along the Dorset coastline in Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Poole. Combined, they comprise 313 rooms and employ 350 staff. The group has an annual turnover of about £16m. FJB has refinanced its existing debt with RBS with the bank now acting as the group’s banking partner. FJB director John Butterworth said: “I am delighted with the support so far from The Royal Bank of Scotland who clearly has an appetite to invest in the future of FJB Hotels and I look forward to working with them to continue our success story.” Ian Newman, RBS relationship director, hotels and leisure, added: “FJB Hotels is the type of customer we are excited to welcome to the bank given their proven record of success and chosen location to run their business in a sought after part of the south coast. We are looking forward to working closely with John to leverage our hotel and leisure knowledge for the benefit of all.”
Speaker programme for Propel Multi Club Conference: The full speaker programme for the Propel Multi Club Conference on Thursday, 5 November at the Lancaster, London, the best-attended conference series in the sector. Ian King, presenter of the Sky News show, Ian King Live, and former Business and City editor of The Times, looks at the key economic trends over the past 12 months and the 12 months ahead and gives his views on their impact on the hospitality sector. Peter Hansen, founder of leading mergers and acquisitions advisory Sapient Corporate Finance, which has advised on sector transactions worth more than £2bn in the past five years, looks at the key sector trends in 2015 for those buying and selling businesses. Andrew Ball, of accountancy firm haysmacintyre, offers his top tips on tax minimisation for multi-site operators. Paul Harbottle, commercial director of Enterprise Inns, talks about building an 800-strong managed pub estate and investment and progress in the leased and tenanted part of the business. Toby Smith, chief executive of Novus Leisure, explains how the company is evolving its food, drink and entertainment offer, along with digital capability, to stay at the forefront of the late-night market in London and the regions. Martin Wolstencroft, founder of Arc Inspirations, arguably Yorkshire’s most successful independent bar and restaurant operator, talks about running multiple concepts, overcoming challenges, best-in-class profit conversion, innovation and expanding over the Pennines in the company’s 15th year. Scott Shaw, founder and chairman of marketing and information analysis business Fishbowl, explains how US restaurant businesses are using guest information to drive marketing and sales. He is joined by data expert Mike Lukianoff, founder of Czar Metrics, now owned by Fishbowl, who will talk about the ground-breaking work his company is doing in the US with a host of well-known restaurant brands, using data to shape menu and price engineering, media efficiency and trade area analytics. Nick Collins, managing director of Loungers, talks about evolving the brand, maintaining company culture, fulfilling growth ambitions, new trading locations and stepping into the shoes of founder Alex Reilley. Kris Gumbrell and Simon Bunn, co-founders of Brewhouse & Kitchen, talk about how they have developed the UK’s largest brewpub chain, food quality, recruiting brewers, brewing experiences, EIS funding and the market potential for the company. Ann Elliott, chief executive of leading sector public relations and marketing firm Elliotts, presents the findings of a survey of senior industry executives on the subject of “outstanding leadership”. Elliotts strategy director James Hacon talks to former Spirit chief executive Mike Tye, Thorley Taverns operations director Phil Thorley, Ego Restaurants chief executive James Horler and Ann Elliott about the principles of high quality leadership.
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