Marston’s managed boss steps down: Marston’s has announced, by mutual agreement with the board, Peter Dalzell will step down from his role as managing director of Inns and Taverns, and from the board, on Friday, 29 September. The company stated: “Over the last two years, our pub operational management structures have been simplified, with the operational management of premium bars and restaurants, property and human resources being separated from Marston’s Inns and Taverns and reporting directly into chief executive Ralph Findlay. These changes left Destination pubs and Taverns and Leased Partners within the Marston’s Inns and Taverns operating structure. The group has now decided to further simplify the structure of its senior pub operational management team with Iain Jackson, operations director – Destination pubs, and Andrew Carlill, operations director – Taverns and Leased Partners, both of whom previously reported to Peter Dalzell, reporting directly to Ralph Findlay. Iain and Andrew have extensive operational experience with Marston’s. In making these changes, our objectives have been to reduce complexity, management layers and cost, and to ensure that our management is as responsive to our customers as possible. Peter leaves with our very best wishes and we wish him every success for the future.” Findlay said: “The changes we have made create a leaner, lower-cost management structure in pub operations. We remain focused on prioritising quality, service and value while mitigating the impact of well publicised cost pressures affecting the sector. I thank Pete – both personally and on behalf of everyone at Marston’s – for his contribution and support over many years. Pete has been instrumental in the growth of our pubs business and leaves a strong operational team in place.”

Vapiano UK reports sales growth, Manchester slow to reach maturity: Vapiano has reported UK sales rose to £13,315,749 in the year to 31 December 2016 (2015: £11,418,638). The company stated: “Following the opening of our fourth site in November 2015 in Manchester, 2016 has been a period of consolidation. The three core sites in London have continued to perform well, but it has taken longer than anticipated for Manchester to reach the same levels at London. The result of the European referendum delivered some changes in the exchange rate, so that whilst the London sites benefited from additional tourism, margins suffered as a consequence as the costs of food and wine increased. The search for new sites is being accelerated and it is likely three new sites will open before the end of the year. The confidence in the UK business is illustrated by the support of the holding company, Vapiano SE, in financing the planned growth alongside a significant refurbishment of the first UK site in Great Portland Street.” Gross profit margin reduced to 44% in the most recent year from 45% the year before. Operating loss was £701,097 compared with an operating loss of £130,109 the year before.