UK independent cafes see sales grow 1.4% as segment remains ‘agile and resilient’: The UK’s independent cafe market has achieved 1.4% sales growth in the past 12 months, according to new research by Allegra World Coffee Portal. The segment is now worth £2.49bn, although difficult trading across the wider market meant the segment grew only 0.6% during the period to an estimated 7,066 outlets – down from 4% growth the previous year. The UK’s independent cafes have proved “agile and resilient” in the face of “sustained market challenges” during the past 18 months, the report stated. It added many independent operators had responded by enhancing service and tweaking propositions to meet growing consumer interest in health and wellness, environmental concerns, and community-based experiences. Buying food and drink in-store and socialising were cited by respondents as the main reason for their most recent coffee shop visit, with average spend rising significantly, from £3.77 to £6.27, among those spending 20 minutes or more in-store. London remains the nucleus of UK cafe development, with the number of independent sites – those with five sites or fewer – in the capital growing 700% during the past decade. However, Allegra warned independents had “borne the brunt” of tough trading conditions in the UK cafe market as they were less able to exploit economies of scale enjoyed by branded coffee chains and were “especially vulnerable to the impending curtailment of casual European workers due to Brexit”. Sustained bad weather and coronavirus further affected the segment’s narrow operating margins. The tough economic climate is reflected by more than two-fifths (41%) of industry leaders surveyed believing consumers are more price-conscious than 12 months ago – a 14% rise on the previous year. However, outlet expansion and store improvements remain a priority for many independent cafes, with almost half (45%) of owners hoping to add at least one outlet this year. World Coffee Portal forecasts cautious segment growth to 7,500 outlets by 2024 at a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. It said the forthcoming National Living Wage rise presented a “challenge” in the short-term, while the outcome of EU trade negotiations, especially regarding labour, was a “longer-term concern”. Allegra Group founder and chief executive Jeffrey Young said: “Despite tough times for UK hospitality, independent coffee shops will remain a source of inspiration and innovation for the wider UK cafe market for many years to come.”

Yapster launches free coronavirus guidance and reporting app: Mobile messaging app Yapster has developed Covid-19 Manager, a free feature that collates information on the coronavirus outbreak from government bodies and hosts it on one app. The feature includes guidance from trade body UKHospitality that has been developed specifically for sector businesses. Companies can use the app to provide employees with relevant and up-to-date information. Covid-19 Manager is available on Yapster’s dedicated applications tab, with UKHospitality members that aren’t Yapster customers able to access an exclusive micro-site. Information is obtained from sources such as Public Health England, the NHS and Acas. App users can select options such as “I think I have been exposed to the virus”, “what are the symptoms?” and “how do I self isolate?”, although the information shouldn’t be used as a substitute for formal medical advice, Yapster said. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “If health and safety is at risk, it’s vital businesses and consumers have all the information they need at their fingertips. We have worked with Yapster to make sure the platform has the latest UKHospitality advice, available at a moment’s notice.” Yapster co-founder and chief executive Rob Liddiard added: “Few sectors are more dynamic than hospitality. That’s why every time an operator responds to consumer change we need to match their agility in terms of product innovation. We didn’t anticipate using that agility for the purpose of crisis response but in unfortunate circumstances this felt like an opportunity to do something in a small way for the benefit of public health. It’s also testament to the incredible dynamism of the hospitality sector. What other ‘low-skill’ workforce could create a public health app overnight?”

Drinkaware launches drink-drive campaign that flags up on-trade alcohol-free options: Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has launched a drink-drive campaign aimed at supporting the on-trade to promote alcohol-free options for designated drivers. The campaign, entitled Home And Dry, has been developed following feedback from operators and is supported by the British Beer & Pub Association and the Department for Transport’s THINK! Initiative. Adam Jones, director of business development, partnerships and public affairs at Drinkaware, told Propel that as well as helping to save lives, operators had a great opportunity to promote their range of alcohol-free drinks. The Department for Transport’s provisional estimates for 2018 are that 240 people were killed in accidents in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit. Final figures for 2018 will be published in August. Jones said: “Drink-driving is still a big issue in the UK and one death from drink-driving is one death too many. We want to work with as many operators as possible to get that message across. We feel there’s no better time to do this given the non-alcoholic options now available in pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants. It’s no longer about having to choose from coke and lemonade. Drivers can enjoy a wide range of alcohol-free beer, cider, wine or spirits and get home safe at the end of the night.” Drinkaware is offering free Home And Dry point-of-sale material, such as staff T-shirts, posters, beer mats, bar runners and digital assets for social media, through its online store.

Majority of UK diners shun venues with fewer than three stars on review platforms: More than four-fifths (85%) of UK diners shun a pub, bar or restaurant that has fewer than three stars on review platforms, according to a new study by McCain Foodservice Solutions. The Happiness Index, which surveyed 1,000 UK adults, found more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents check TripAdvisor and 59% look at Google Reviews before deciding where to eat. Facebook also remains popular for pub, bar and restaurant recommendations for more than one-quarter (26%) of over-45s and 15% of under-30s. Great food quality (33%) is the most influential factor that leads diners to write a positive online review, followed by service (27%). Menu range was also a large contributing factor to the overall happiness index but, with almost half (47%) of diners experiencing “decision-making paralysis” when it comes to ordering, operators need to “walk a fine line between choice and simplicity”, the report stated. More than one-fifth (22%) of respondents said restaurant decor was a deciding factor in where they chose to eat. While the overall cost of a meal is foremost in respondents’ minds (76%), almost two-thirds (65%) would “happily pay more” if they were reassured by a pub, bar or restaurant’s “excellent online reputation”.

OAPA to hold annual conference next week: Hospitality industry charity Only A Pavement Away (OAPA), which supports the homeless and former veterans and prisoners into hospitality jobs, will hold its Annual Conference on Wednesday, 18 March at Freemasons Hall, London. The conference, in partnership with Think Hospitality, will feature speakers and hospitality industry figures outlining the importance of providing stability through employment and how the sector can make a positive difference. Attendees will also hear a presentation from government minister Johnny Mercer, who will explain how society needs to change the way it supports those who have served in the armed forces. OAPA founder Greg Mangham said: “Our conference is a fantastic opportunity to share updates on the success of the charity itself but also discuss how as an industry and individuals we can further support those in need.” See the OAPA website for more details.

Licensing update: Licensing solicitor John Gaunt & Partners produces a useful monthly summary of topical issues. To access the latest, click here 

M&B lines up second site for new Neighbourhood Pubs concept: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the Phil Urban-led managed operator, is to open a second site under its new Neighbourhood Pubs concept, Propel has learned. The company is set to convert its Harvester in Ruislip, Greater London, to The George At Ruislip. The group opened its first site under the new concept, which M&B hopes will give it a second bow to its premium offering, in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, in June 2019. In November, Urban said The George At Harpenden was generating sales of about £30,000 a week. The new format offers “fresh seasonal food, craft beer, cocktails, coffee and pastries”. Urban said: “The offer is a premium suburban concept that aims to appeal across all dayparts, with flexible space that’s appropriate for a range of occasions.”

Leon appoints chief marketing officer, set to finalise Euro Garages link-up: Natural fast food brand Leon has appointed Charlotte Dewhurst, formerly of Morrisons, as chief marketing officer, Propel has learned. Dewhurst was recently interim global chief marketing officer of fintech business ClearScore and has also had stints at Argos and Reebok. At the same time the John Vincent-led business has welcomed back Kirsty Saddler in the new role of sustainability and values director. Saddler previously spent three years as Leon’s brand and marketing director before leaving to become global strategy director at Unreasonable Equals in April 2018. Propel understands the business is also close to finalising its long-mooted link-up with forecourt retailer Euro Garages. Leon had been linked with an opening at the retailer’s Bicester development but Propel understands a first site in the partnership will be at Euro Garages’ forecourt in Leeds Road, Wakefield. Leon has been exploring a number of new avenues for growth, including launching a retail range with Sainsbury’s. It’s also thought to be looking at opening sites this year at Deliveroo Editions in Reading and Cambridge. The group recently secured a 3,600 square foot site at The Oracle leisure complex in Reading for an opening later this spring. The company is set to open a further central London site after securing the former Prezzo unit in New Oxford Street. It also has openings lined up for this quarter in Skelton Lake services near Leeds, in the Paradise Development in Birmingham, and Southbank Place in central London.

Rarebreed Dining founders to launch Island concept: Rarebreed Dining founders Jonnie and Sarahjayne Matthew plan to launch an all-day restaurant and cocktail bar concept called Island, Propel has learned. The Matthews, who launched Rarebreed with Jordan Hallows in 2014, are understood to have secured the former ASK Italian site in Reigate, Surrey, for a first opening under the venture. Island’s ethos will centre on a “vibrant neighbourhood environment with a passion for food, drink and personal service”. The concept’s menu will be “fresh and changing, from healthy options to blow-out dishes”. Its drinks list will take “equal precedence with great coffee, home-grown cocktails and well-sourced wine and beer”. The company said Island would be a “magical place to hang out with enchanting spaces, brilliant music and charismatic people”. It’s thought the Matthews, who stepped down from Rarebreed last year, hope to open a number of sites in the south east under the new concept. The founders self-funded their first Rarebreed Dining site before Havisham Group, a privately owned investment fund founded by David Brownlow, invested £6m of committed equity capital and institutional leverage in August 2016 to fund expansion. Rarebreed Dining now operates four sites – The Waverley Inn in Weybridge, The Corn Stores in Reading, The Shurlock Inn in Berkshire, and The Plough Inn in Cobham. AG&G is thought to have acted on the Reigate deal.

Goodbody – new Domino’s chairman is ‘strong’ appointment but franchisee resolution will be expensive and time-consuming: Goodbody leisure analyst Paul Ruddy has described the appointment of Matt Shattock as Domino’s Pizza chairman as “strong” but believes the franchisee resolution will prove expensive and time-consuming. Shattock, who is non-executive chairman of Beam Suntory, which he joined in 2009 as president and chief executive, will start his role at Domino’s on Monday (16 March). The move follows the appointments of senior independent director and interim chairman Ian Bull in September and non-executives Elias Diaz in October and activist investor Usman Nabi in November. Ruddy said: “Interestingly, the process to appoint Shattock was led by Nabi and Bull, who noted this was an important moment in the turnaround of Domino’s. The group needs world-class leaders to fulfil its enormous potential. Shattock has extensive and highly relevant experience in the consumer sector, including business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships, which will be crucial as Domino’s seeks to rebuild relationships with its franchisees and return to profitable growth. Overall this is a positive update from Domino’s. The recent board appointments have been strong candidates and it can now progress with appointing a new chief executive and chief financial officer. This, in turn, will facilitate a fresh approach to franchisee negotiations. We retain our ‘Hold’ recommendation on Domino’s as we believe the franchisee resolution will be expensive and time-consuming and all growth depends on the UK market. Domino’s share price is getting the benefit of it being relatively less exposed to the covid-19 virus than the wider leisure complex.”

Fuel Juice Bars completes CVA, unsecured creditors receive £472,770: Fuel Juice Bars, backed by Kings Park Capital, has completed its company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with unsecured creditors paid a total of £472,770. A supervisors’ progress report by Damian Webb, Phillip Sykes and Paul Dounis, of RSM, said that, as agreed in the proposals, no assets had been compromised by the CVA and the company had paid the creditors directly in accordance with each category. The CVA didn’t affect the rights of any secured or preferential creditors. In terms of the final outcome for non-preferential creditors, the supervisors said the terms of the CVA had been satisfied and a final report would be issued to confirm the position. They added the company had fully co-operated through the previous 12 months of the CVA. Fuel Juice Bars agreed its CVA with creditors in January 2018. As part of the proposal, founder Jamie Weston returned to the position of managing director. In its latest available accounts for the period between 1 October 2016 and 31 March 2018, the company said it was trading profitably in the year to date as a result of the restructuring and subsequent store closures. The company now trades from 23 sites in UK shopping centres.

Barworks secures former Tank & Paddle in Mayfair, exchanges on hotel site: Marc Francis-Baum, owner of central London bar and pub operator Barworks, has told Propel the company will reopen Novus’ former Tank & Paddle in Heddon Street, Mayfair, as The KonnWest Tavern. The building housed Konn furriers in the 1960s and 1970s and Barworks will replicate the famous sign David Bowie stood beneath for the cover of his Ziggy Stardust album. Francis-Baum told Propel: “We intend to create a lovely neighbourhood modern boozer in line with all our pubs – offering a huge range of drinks with great food. Heddon Street is a great pedestrian foodie street and we want to be ‘the’ drinks place. We are honoured the Crown Estate approached us for this site as it wanted a great operator for one of its key sites.” Francis-Baum also revealed Barworks had exchanged on its first hotel. He said: “We have exchanged on a hotel business. The former Montcalm hotel in City Road will become a Marriott autograph hotel, due to open this summer, and Barworks will take on the F&B.” Barworks operates 13 pubs plus Mare Street Market and five sites under The Diner name, which have been part of Barworks since July 2019. The Diner sites will be converted to independent wet-led operations over the next year. Francis-Baum said trading at Barworks’ new Dalston pub – The Crown & Castle – had been “tremendous” in its first two weeks, with a “30% increase in turnover and rising with fewer running costs”. The company converted its The Diner site in Kingsland Road into the pub concept and Francis-Baum said The Diner in Soho would be the next to be converted to a pub followed by the venue in Shoreditch. In October Propel revealed the company had applied to take on Jamie Oliver’s former Fifteen site in Hoxton. However, it’s thought the business has since pulled out of taking on the site.

Fledgling restaurant company Steam Ahead launches £300,000 crowdfunding campaign to open second site, eyes five-strong portfolio: Fledgling restaurant company Steam Ahead has launched a £300,000 fund-raise on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to open a second site, in Bath, with a view to operating five venues by 2022. Steam Ahead, which operates small plates concept The Gaff in Abergavenny, is offering 9.09% equity in return for the investment, giving the company a pre-money valuation of £3m. Daniel Saunders and Danielle Phillips, who own Steam Ahead, state in their pitch: “Steam Ahead is looking to become an independent restaurant group driven by a desire to serve high-quality food in a relaxed environment. We opened our first restaurant, The Gaff, in May 2019. The Gaff is Irish slang for “home” so it suits our concept to serve great food in contemporary, comfortable surroundings with relaxed, friendly service. Our approach has clearly resonated as within four months The Gaff was included in The Good Food Guide 2020. We are raising funds to open a second premises, in Bath. The restaurant will have its own stamp and different name and decor but with the same approach and ethos to The Gaff. In the next two years we would like to open three more restaurants around the UK. Our initial investors are Trevor Dartford, who was instrumental in the expansion of Fishworks, and Charles Stemp, who is a successful international businessman.”

Fuller’s closes The Stable in Poole: Fuller’s has closed The Stable in Poole, Dorset, with immediate effect. Richard and Nikki Cooper opened a debut site for the pizza and cider concept in Bridport, Dorset, in 2009. Fuller’s bought the business in 2014 and the closure leaves The Stable with 14 restaurants in the south of England. Earlier this year the company took the “commercial decision” to close another Stable in Dorset after the Weymouth branch “failed to perform as hoped”. A Fuller’s spokesman said: “We constantly review our estate and, due to rising costs, the Poole site no longer met our strict returns criteria and is therefore being marketed for sale. The other Stable sites continue to deliver an outstanding cider and pizza offer to customers from Falmouth to Kew Bridge and we are still excited by the potential of this excellent young brand.”

Papa John’s franchisee expands south east portfolio with 11th opening, in Cosham: Papa John’s franchisee Abid Hussain, who was named the company’s franchise owner of the year for five stores or less last year, has opened his 11th store in the south east, in Cosham, Hampshire. Hussain said: “Running multiple stores gets easier the more you open. Management, operation and marketing functions all gain economies of scale and recruitment is more straightforward. Staff can move between stores as opportunities arise, which they really value. Motivating staff and ensuring they have what they need in terms of equipment and training is key to keeping the best people. I’m proud all my managers have been with me since I joined Papa John’s in 2013 and we have grown the business together. I know if my people are happy, so are our customers. It makes good business sense. I have focused on building clusters of stores and now have several in the Portsmouth area, so the new store nearby in Cosham is a great location for us. I also recently took over stores in Waterlooville and Havant. I look forward to taking an even bigger slice of the action in the future.” Papa John’s operates more than 400 stores in the UK.

Former Living Ventures people director joins Mowgli: Kate Muncaster, former commercial and people director at Living Ventures, has joined Indian street food concept Mowgli as head of people. Muncaster spent more than 15 years at Living Ventures, including eight as people director at the Paul Moran-led business. She joins Foresight Group-backed Mowgli as it gears up to open in Bristol and Leeds. The ten-strong, Nisha Katona-led company has been building its openings pipeline for 2020 and recently secured a site in Hanover Street, Edinburgh. The site is scheduled to open near the end of this year. It also has Glasgow, Bath, Brighton, Coventry and Newcastle on its radar. In October the brand signed up to open at the St George’s Shopping Centre in Preston. Last year the company reported revenues in the past three years had grown more than 66% on average every year to hit £12m in the 12 months to the end of July.

Greene King launches Paddy & Scott’s partnership: Brewer and retailer Greene King has launched a multi-year partnership with fellow Suffolk business Paddy & Scott’s. The deal sees Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Company offer Paddy & Scott’s coffee in its 60-plus sites. Licensees in Greene King’s Pub Partners division, which comprises 1,000 leased and tenanted pubs, also have the option of serving Paddy & Scott’s coffee in their pubs. Greene King Local Pubs director Karen Bosher said: “We are seeing increasing demand for quality coffee.” Greene King Pub Partners managing director Wayne Shurvinton added: “As pubs diversify to reflect changing consumer tastes throughout the day, we’re delighted to be at the forefront of this trend.” Paddy & Scott’s chief executive Scott Russell said: “The past ten years has been a golden time for the craft coffee industry, with double-digit growth, but we’ve always said when pubs start to take coffee seriously it will engage new audiences by allowing sites to tap into extended trading hours and takeaway coffee.” Paddy & Scotts reported 38% growth in sales for the final six months of 2019. The company launched headquarters and concept cafe Ambition House in Ipswich during the year and saw a record harvest from its coffee farm in Meru, Kenya. Director Jon Reed said: “Our model for direct trade, where we cut out the middle men from the traditional coffee supply chain and reinvest their ‘cut’ in the local coffee-farming communities and their families, is making a huge difference.”

Canterbury-based pub operator acquires fifth site: Canterbury-based pub operator Charles Smythe has added a fifth site in the Kent city to his portfolio. Smythe has acquired the lease of The Dolphin in St Radigunds Street from Peter and Kate Mickleburgh in a deal brokered by agent Fleurets. With Ei Group as the landlord, Smythe said he intends to build on The Dolphin’s reputation and further develop trade while continuing to make the most of the pub’s beer garden. He owns four other pubs in Canterbury – Old City Bar, Seven Stars, Thomas Becket and Black Griffin.

Lidl to open in-store pub in Northern Ireland: Grocery chain Lidl has submitted a planning application to turn part of its new store in Dundonald in Northern Ireland into a pub. The move is part of the German retailer’s “modern concept design store”, which is being rolled out in select locations. The pub would be separate to the main supermarket, with its own access and customer toilets. It would include an off-sales section but also a bar and seating area, where customers could be served alcohol on-site. Lidl operates 38 stores in Northern Ireland.

Byron joins Tastecard: Better burger brand Byron has joined diners card platform Tastecard. The move means Tastecard holders can get two for one on all meals at the majority of Byron’s 49 UK sites. Byron began trialling Tastecard last year and has now extended the partnership. Tastecard chief executive Matt Turner said: “Tastecard members are snapping up the chance to dine at this national favourite and I, for one, love everything Byron has to offer so I can only see this being a hugely successful partnership. We’re excited to welcome another legendary restaurant brand to the Tastecard club.” The offer is available in all Byron restaurants except London’s O2 and Canary Wharf.

Alcohol-free craft beer brewer Big Drop passes halfway mark in £500,000 crowdfunding campaign: Alcohol-free craft beer brewer Big Drop has passed the 50% mark in its £500,000 fund-raise on crowdfunding platform Seedrs to support expansion plans. The company, founded by Rob Fink and James Kindred in 2016, is offering 6.22% equity in return for the investment, which gives the company a pre-money valuation of more than £7.5m. So far, 261 investors have pledged £267,771. The company reported 150% year-on-year growth during the past three years to reach revenue of almost £900,000 in 2019 and said it had secured £1.3m in private funding. Big Drop has already invested in a decentralised production model in which it partners with breweries around the world to produce its beer. With the new investment, Big Drop would not only look to expand into the US and Australian markets but also across the UK. Fink said: “We started this company because our lifestyles had changed. James and I had recently become fathers and the lower-alcohol beer we wanted wasn’t there. We knew a lot of people felt the same way. We realised we could create not only the beer we wanted but a community of like-minded people too. We can increase customer awareness, build our capacity and expand our catchment area, especially on draught. With investment from people who love our beer, we can take them around the world.”

Shiva completes refinancing of Covent Garden hotel: Shiva Hotels has completed the refinancing of Middle Eight hotel in Covent Garden with Alpha Real Capital and Bank Leumi. The central London venue is being refurbished and is due to reopen later this spring. Alpha transaction director Dan Griffiths told Property Week: “We are delighted to have acquired the ground rent of this prestigious hotel from Shiva. The quality of the property and excellent location provides the fund with confidence this asset will have a long-term future. We are excited to partner Shiva on this project.” The deal brings the amount of ground rent Alpha has under management to about £400m.

Disaronno parent company announces UK subsidiary plans: Premium Italian spirits company Illva Saronno, known in the UK for Disaronno and Tia Maria, has announced plans to launch UK subsidiary Disaronno International UK. The move comes as Illva Saronno prepares to unveil innovations it will bring to the UK market in 2020 and 2021. From January 2021, Disaronno International UK will be fully responsible for the distribution, sales and marketing of Illva Saronno brands in the UK. To head the new subsidiary, country director Neil Jardine has been promoted to managing director of Disaronno International UK. The subsidiary will see the mutual end of a 20-year partnership between Illva Saronno and William Grant & Sons UK from December. The companies will continue their relationship in other international markets. Jardine said: “We will soon announce two innovations we will bring to the UK market in the coming months and we will continue to work closely with William Grant & Sons UK to do so. Our portfolio of premium Sicilian wine brands provides a huge opportunity for us at a time when the UK trade is focusing on Italy and Sicily in particular. In addition, we have significantly invested in our Irish whiskey business, creating a unique blend of products with a distinctly Irish look and feel.”

Advanced Sales Network reports 24% sales growth: The Advanced Sales Network, led by former Novus sales director Rupert Macfarlane, has reported a 24% growth in sales in its financial year to the end of February boosted by a strong festive period. Macfarlane told Propel: “It was a really encouraging performance during the past year, with Christmas sales particularly strong.  Many of our clients took advantage of hiring temporary sales resources from September onwards, a trend we expect to happen again this year – probably starting earlier to really maximise their Christmas party sales.” Propel has partnered with Macfarlane for the Pre-booked Sales Masterclass, which takes place on Tuesday, 24 March at One Moorgate Place in London. Macfarlane will show how, when implemented correctly, pre-booked sales can transform a business’ performance. He will take a tour through the four training modules that transformed the pre-booked sales performance of Novus and at many other businesses that subsequently adopted the same approach. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for Propel Premium subscribers and £345 plus VAT for others. Email anne.steele@propelinfo.com

Here is a list of some of the upcoming Propel events. For more details or to book, email anne.steele@propelinfo.com

Social Strategy In A Day: Social Strategy In A Day is an event aimed at allowing companies to develop and hone their social media strategy. It features fresh content and insights for 2020, allowing companies to increase brand exposure, broaden their reach and ensure their digital marketing really delivers. Propel has partnered with digital marketing company Digital Blonde for the one-day advanced workshop, which will cover everything a marketing department should be thinking about when it comes to social strategy. The event takes place on Friday, 3 April at One Moorgate Place in London. Sessions will include how to keep your knowledge up to date when marketing and technology change so rapidly, driving business via social media, and being super productive while looking after your mental health. Emma Dickinson, of London pub retailer Young’s, will also talk about what has and hasn’t worked for the company when it comes to social media marketing. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for Propel Premium members, £345 plus VAT for operators who are non-members and £395 plus VAT for suppliers who are non-members.

The Delivery Conference: This ground-breaking event, which takes place at Painters Hall in Little Trinity Lane, London, on Tuesday, 21 April, will cover all aspects of this fast-growing sector, offering expertise, ideas and insights. Speakers will include NPD Group foodservice director Dominic Allport; leading dessert parlour operator Creams; Robin Himmels, of Eatclever; Just Eat UK head of strategic accounts Amy Heather; AlixPartners US director Eric Dzwonczyk and UK counterpart Steve Braude; Susan Martindale, group HR director at Mitchells & Butlers; Tortilla chief executive Richard Morris; and Nigel Sherwood, UK managing director of Wagamama. Meanwhile, Alasdair Murdoch, chief executive of Burger King UK, will talk to Propel insights editor Mark Wingett about early adoption of delivery during his time at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, challenges and opportunities, and how delivery is working for Burger King. Deliveroo director of national accounts Matt Ring will talk to Mark Wingett about how the business continues to innovate, its use of data to create virtual brands and the challenges it faces to stay ahead. A panel featuring Macro Foods founder Kirsty-Lee Griffiths, Crosstown Doughnuts’ JP Then, Yard Sale Pizza founder Johnnie Tate, and Bababoom founder Eve Bugler will discuss launching, operating and growing in a delivery-focused world. Tickets to the event cost £295 for Propel Premium members, £345 for operators and £395 for suppliers.