Frank Bandura to step down as Carluccio’s chief financial officer: Frank Bandura is to step down as chief financial officer at Carluccio’s on Monday, 5 September after 17 years with the company. Bandura guided the business from inception to a flotation on AIM in 2005 and then back to the private market in 2010 when the business was sold to Landmark. He led finance, logistics, supply chain and IT functions for the group which now trades from 100-plus sites in seven countries. He said: “It’s been a real privilege to be an integral part of the Carluccio’s growth story from small start-up to multinational business, but after all this time it really is right for me to move on and let a new team take it forward.” Bandura’s successor is Jonathan Blanchard who joins Carluccio’s from cycle retailer Evans where he was chief financial officer. Previous positions include chief financial officer at handbag and accessory retailer Radley + Co and group finance director at Eagle Rock Entertainment Group. Blanchard has nearly 20 years’ experience at board level and a strong track record in creating significant value in private equity-backed businesses. Most recently, he completed the high profile sale of Evans Cycles to ECI on behalf of Active Private Equity. He has significant multi-site, multi-channel retail and in-depth operational experience across many back office functions including IT, logistics and supply chain. Carluccio’s chief executive Neil Wickers said: “Frank has been a key member of the management team and has helped to make Carluccio’s the success story it is today.  I wish him the very best for the future. I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Jonathan to the team. I am confident that he will help drive the business forward as it enters the next stage of its development.”

Charles Wells continues US partnership deals as it brings Small Town’s flavoured craft beer to Britain: Bedford-based brewer and retailer Charles Wells has signed a partnership deal with Small Town Brewery to bring the Illinois-based company’s Not Your Father’s Root Beer to England and Wales. It is the second deal Charles Wells has signed with a US craft beer firm this month. Not Your Father’s Root Beer is the second most-stocked craft beer six-pack bottle in the US and the number one off-take in supermarkets, 35% above the craft beer in second place. The beer’s flavour comes from botanicals and spices used in the brewing process. Genna Burchell, marketing manager for World Beers at Charles Wells, said the distributor partnership with Small Town was a perfect fit as the brewers shared a similar history. She said: “No pun intended but Small Town Brewery and Charles Wells have similar roots, with founders and ancestors who were naval captains who went on to become brewers. Not Your Father’s Root Beer is an exciting addition to our portfolio and we’re excited to help Small Town Brewery give British beer drinkers a chance to try this traditional US favourite.” Not Your Father’s Root Beer (ABV 4.5%) will be available from the end of August to the London on-trade in 355ml bottles. Earlier this month, Charles Wells agreed a UK distribution partnership with US craft beer specialist Founders Brewing Co, which has seen its award-winning Founders All Day IPA made available across the UK. In May, Charles Wells chose St Killian Importing Co as its new importer for the US to ramp up sales in North America. 

Hospitality bosses back night tube to improve working life of staff: A high proportion (87%) of business owners in London’s hospitality sector feel the night tube will have a positive impact on the working lives of their staff, according to a new survey by hospitality recruiter The Change Group. In addition, almost three-quarters (71%) of hospitality staff think the service, which launches tonight (Friday, 19 August), will lead to an increase in job flexibility and make commuting easier, while more than half (52%) think it will improve their work/life balance. Interestingly, 40% also think it will create more jobs. More than half (52%) of 530 respondents said they used night buses to return home after a late shift, with almost two-thirds (66%) saying they would prefer to take the night tube over other forms of transport to save time and money. However, when asked about any negative impacts on the industry, more than two-thirds (83%) were concerned the night tube would lead to increased working hours, with staff not being compensated for even later shifts. The Change Group managing director Craig Allen said: “In terms of staffing issues, (the night tube) will help employees by allowing them to save money on taxis and time by having an alternative to the night bus. In addition, staff may be more willing to take roles further away from their home, based on there being a more efficient mode of commute transport.”