Hospitality’s £1bn aid package ‘too little too late’, new Scottish restrictions ‘the final straw’: The UK Treasury’s £1bn support package for the hospitality and leisure industries have been blasted as “too little too late”. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the financial aid, including a grant of up to £6,000 per venue, to help sector businesses hit by the latest covid restrictions. But he was warned further support would be needed if measures to help stop the spread of Omicron remain in place or are strengthened. “This support is too little too late and will only act as a sticking plaster on major challenges for the sector,” said Martin Williams, chief executive of Gaucho and M Restaurants. “What small and large business alike need right now is a 2022 strategy that sees the extension of 75% business rates relief and the introduction of a permanent 12.5% VAT rate.” Des Gunewardena, chief executive of D&D London, added: “The chancellor’s announcement of £6,000 per site for businesses like ours is wholly and shockingly inadequate. Many of our larger restaurants in central London each lost £100,000 revenue from cancellations last week. Unlike in the US and France, where restaurant companies have been fully financially supported through lockdowns, the UK government continues to fail to do that.” Matt Snell, chief executive at Gusto, tweeted: “When all is said and done, we will have lost £500,000 of profit through this December... remember this is through no fault of our own – £6,000 (maximum) per site grant just insults us.” Stacey Sherwood-French, co-owner and director of Joro, said: “For a lot of companies, there have been significant losses across the board from December trade, heading into January with uncertainty and empty bank accounts. The industry needs to see extended long term assistance – this is a short-term plaster on big wounds.” David Abramson, chief executive of leisure property adviser Cedar Dean, said: “The elephant in the room is, can tenants afford to pay the full quarter’s rent this December while staring into the abyss of uncertainty? Now, more than ever, is the time for sensible conversations based on rent affordability.” Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) chief executive Michael Kill said: “At the moment we’re in limbo land – the government is allowing us to open but telling people to stay at home. It is a lockdown by stealth, and it will lead to the death of nightclub businesses.” Sacha Lord, Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, said. “How can businesses that expected to take up to 30% of their annual revenues during December survive on £6,000 grants? Irreversible damage has already been done, and unless the package is immediately revised to provide adequate support, we are going to see more businesses close their doors for good.” Meanwhile, UKHospitality Scotland warned fresh restrictions north of the border would be the final blow for many sector businesses. First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced, from Monday (27 December), hospitality venues would be subject to table-service restrictions, one-metre social distancing and groups of no more than three households. “This announcement will, for many, be the final straw as owners and operators weigh-up whether it will be worth remaining open beyond Christmas,” said UKHospitality Scotland chief executive Leon Thompson. “Hotels, bars and restaurant are once again left counting the cost. The very fabric of our economy is in tatters.” “This short-term package of support from the First Minister is welcome at this extremely challenging time for pubs and brewers. It will be a vital lifeline for many and will help compensate businesses for the dramatically reduced trade already being experienced in the run up to Christmas. A Scottish Beer & Pub Association spokesman added: “It is critical that a timeline is in place for the removal of these restrictions. While they remain in place, additional financial support must be kept under review, as many pubs will otherwise not make it through the winter.” 

 

Propel Premium Advent Video Calendar to feature Andy Laurillard: Propel has launched its Premium Advent Video Calendar, giving subscribers access to a great video each day in December from our autumn conference series. Each day in December in the run-up to Christmas, Premium subscribers will be sent a video featuring some of the sector’s leading operators, who will share insights, advice and expertise. The next video – which will be sent at 9am today (Wednesday, 22 December), – features Andy Laurillard, co-founder of Giggling Squid, who discusses how the crisis impacted the business for the better and its plans for the coming 12-18 months, which could see the company open a new site a month. Earlier this month, Premium subscribers received the fifth edition of The New Openings Database, which is produced in association with StarStock. The database showed the details of 366 newly announced site openings and upcoming launches. Premium subscribers also receive access to two other databases – the Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, and the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is produced in association with Mapal Group. Subscribers also receive access to Propel’s library of lockdown videos and Friday Wrap interviews and now also have access to a curated video library of the sector’s finest leaders and entrepreneurs, offering their insights on running outstanding businesses in the sector. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before our 6am send-out, regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £895 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The regular single subscription rate of £395 plus VAT for operators and £495 plus VAT for suppliers remains the same. To subscribe, email jo.charity@propelinfo.com

Tipjar relaunches emergency fund for hospitality workers: Digital tipping platform Tipjar has relaunched its Hospitality Worker’s Emergency Fund, in partnership with Hospitality Action, allowing donations to support hospitality staff in need. During its previous launch, the start-up raised more than £50,000 for workers facing redundancies, job losses and financial hardship during the first lockdown. With businesses having already lost a huge chunk of December trade and so offering fewer shifts, sector staff are again facing fears over job security. Tipjar’s own data shows hospitality workers are due to lose over £60m in tips during December alone. Tipjar chief executive, Ben Thomas, said: “These statistics are crippling for the millions of workers that rely on these tips to pay their rent, feed themselves, or feed their families.” Founded by James Brown of BrewDog in 2019, Tipjar aims to bring fair and transparent staff-controlled digital tipping to the hospitality industry, having recently announced more than £1m in tip transactions since its inception. Brown added: “We have created The Hospitality Workers Emergency Fund to allow the UK public to donate towards supporting the workforce our industry relies on. The government’s £1bn support announcement aims to help businesses but doesn’t give staff any surety or protection. With Christmas only a few days away, we want to do everything we can to help. These are our people, and this is our cause.” The not-for-profit venture will aim to find those most in need and give them a grant of £250.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working on behalf of a premium restaurant group based in London to assist it in recruiting a group talent manager. A COREcruitment spokesman said: “You will be the face of the group – the client loves this person to be visible in the role, to the team, and to ensure you have a solid understanding of what the venue needs and doesn’t lose sight of operations. You will look after all appointments inclusive of head office. With a recruitment manager reporting into you and helping with international recruitment, you will develop and mentor this person to become more of a support in the role. You will lead the end-to-end process of the recruitment drive, working with stakeholders and senior management across the brands.” The position is paying up to £55,000 base salary. For more information and to apply, email Kate@corecruitment.com

 

Arc Inspirations set to post record revenue and profit as it emerges from pandemic ‘stronger than ever’: Arc Inspirations, the Leeds-based operator of several fast-growing brands, has said it expects to post record revenue and profit in its current financial year as it emerges from the pandemic “stronger than ever”. The company said it has a pipeline of sites secured, with a further two expected to open next year, and it continues to seek further growth opportunities. The company provided the update as it filed its accounts for the year ending 31 March 2021. Since the year-end, the business has returned to its long-term strategy of establishing clusters or hubs in city centre locations after putting its growth plans on hold at the start of the pandemic. The group has opened two flagship sites – a 7,000 square-foot Manahatta in Temple Street, Birmingham, and an 8,000 square-foot Box in Deansgate, Manchester. These sites opened in October and November respectively and are among the highest revenue-generating venues in the group. Between July and November, sales were 42% higher versus the same period in 2019. While the business has seen a decline in large corporate bookings following the emergence of Omicron, Arc said sales for smaller groups “are stronger than expected”. Revenue for the year to 31 March 2021 is £9.9m versus £30.1m the previous year, with the business “effectively shut for eight months of the 12”. Ebitda stood at -£1.3m versus £2.9m the year before. During the pandemic, the company accelerated a change programme designed to strengthen the business. This included the introduction of a central sales force, driving 30% of revenues through pre-booked sales, investment in outdoor spaces and renegotiating property leases across the business. Chief executive Martin Wolstencroft said: “Since the year-end and the easing of restrictions in the summer, we have broken all sales records and returned to site growth, opening two flagship sites. Despite the current challenges, we expect to post a record year in terms of both revenue and profit in FY2022 and are extremely confident about the long-term prospects of our business. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our team, the strength of our business and brands and the unwavering support of our shareholders, we have come through the challenges stronger than ever. Despite the current challenges, we remain extremely confident about our prospects and expect to deliver significant growth amid a resurgent market over the next three-to-five years.”

Papa John’s opens seven new stores: Papa John’s has opened seven new high street stores – in Kenilworth, Bridgend, Melton Mowbray, Sheerness, Warwick, Stanford-le-Hope and Midsomer Norton. Amit Pancholi, UK director of business development for Papa John’s UK, said: “It’s been quite a year for Papa John’s, topped-off with seven new openings. As an organisation, we’ve opened double digit stores across the UK this year, growing our brand presence both on the high street and in non-traditional locations such as holiday resorts, leisure venues and more. In September we opened our 500th store in Ormskirk.  As we celebrate that milestone, and as our franchisees continue to grow, more employment opportunities are created at every level. All new starters have full scope and use of our dedicated Pizza Academy training system. It means any new team member may join as a delivery driver, for example, but map out a career pathway by acquiring the relevant skills and experience to become a team leader or store manager and beyond.” Earlier this month, Papa John’s was named the sixth best UK franchise by the Elite Franchise Top 100.

Otherworld overfunds on £600,000 crowdfunding campaign for future expansion: Otherworld, the Imbiba-backed immersive entertainment business, has already overfunded on a crowdfunding campaign to raise £600,000 towards its expansion plans. The virtual reality experience company, which launched its first site, in Haggerston, in 2019 and followed up with a second, in Victoria, earlier this year, is soon set to launch its first out-of-London site, in Birmingham. It also has plans to expand to Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow over the next 12 months and is seeking franchise partners for overseas growth, in the US and Germany. The capital it raises through Crowdcube will help fund Otherworld’s franchise programme, double its immersion pod base and allow investment in new content and metaverse features. The campaign has already raised almost £795,000 through 212 investors with 37 days remaining. With a pre-money valuation of £21.9m, Otherworld has offered investors 3.50% equity. It reported site revenue of £213,000 in October (site Ebitda £68,000, group revenue £230,000, Ebidta minus £64,000) and has already raised £3.7m through Imbiba and fellow investor Edge. Its pitch stated: “Otherworld leads the UK location-based virtual reality market, forecast to reach $10bn-plus globally by 2023. More than 80,000 people have experienced our innovative, multi-sensory technology and travelled into the future of arts, well-being and gaming. After success in London, the national takeover has begun.”

Away Resorts to acquire Coppergreen Leisure Resorts: UK holiday park operator Away Resorts is to acquire Coppergreen Leisure Resorts. The deal follows the acquisition of Aria Resorts in August and expands Away Resorts’ footprint to 27 locations across the UK. Coppergreen, which was backed by BGF and exits as a result of the deal, has 370 lodges across four parks in Yorkshire, Scotland, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Away Resorts said the acquisition will greatly complement its existing portfolio, increasing its presence in the north of England and Scotland, and grow the number of visitors the group welcomes every year to more than 750,000. The acquisition follows a milestone year for Away Resorts, with the company welcoming guests in record numbers and receiving investment from CVC Capital Partners. Away Resorts said it continues to have a healthy pipeline of opportunities to further grow the estate, while continuing to invest in developing its offering. Chief executive Carl Castledine said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Coppergreen to the Away Resorts family to support our ambition of forming the leading UK holiday park provider. Coppergreen’s prime locations and leadership in sustainability will further enhance our offer as we look to provide perfect holiday destinations for UK holidaymakers.” David Copley, chief executive at Coppergreen Leisure Resorts, added: “Away Resorts has a reputation for driving innovation across the industry and is the ideal owner for the business. We look forward to seeing what the team goes on to achieve in its next successful chapter.”

Verdant Leisure makes first acquisition under new ownership and expands into southern England, eyes further expansion: Lancaster-based holiday park operator Verdant Leisure has added Golden Coast Holiday Village and Cleavewood Park in north Devon to its portfolio. The purchase brings Verdant’s estate to 12 parks and marks the first acquisition since the company was backed by Pears Partnership Capital earlier this year. Verdant was previously supported by Manchester-based Palatine Private Equity, which first invested in 2016, when Verdant boasted just six sites. The north Devon site is also Verdant’s first acquisition in southern England and forms part of the company’s growth strategy to create a strong national group, and it plans to add further parks in 2022. Golden Coast and Cleavewood, based near Woolacombe, offer facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, lakes, bars and restaurants. Verdant Leisure chief executive, Graham Hodgson, said: “We are excited to expand our portfolio into southern England and consolidate our status as an operator of choice in the UK holiday market. Golden Coast and Cleavewood will bring a further 342 holiday accommodation units and 83 touring pitches to the wider group. We have further investment in the parks planned, which will roll out over the next few years.” Mark Harper, operating partner at Pears Partnership Capital, added: “We are delighted to support Verdant’s growth, and this acquisition provides scale for national expansion during an exciting time for the UK caravan park sector.  We are committed to long term investment to help Verdant further raise the bar in terms of standards and service across its parks and deliver strategic acquisitions to grow the group.” Verdant Leisure was founded in 2010 following a management buy-in of Dunham Leisure, owners of Pease Bay and Thurston Manor Leisure parks in south east Scotland. It purchased a further eight locations in Scotland and northern England between 2010 and 2020 as part of an ongoing buy-and-build strategy.

McDonald’s settles US discrimination lawsuit, agrees to sell Dynamic Yield to Mastercard: McDonald’s has settled a lawsuit filed earlier this year by a black franchisee who had claimed racial discrimination. The company has agreed to pay $33.5m for former baseball pro Herb Washington’s 13 restaurants, but added that the court found no laws were violated. Former Oakland Athletics star Washington once ran the largest number of black-operated McDonald’s restaurants in the US but sued the company for racial discrimination earlier this year. He alleged the firm denied black owners the opportunities it gave to whites, which included steering them to stores in “distressed, predominantly black” areas, and blocked him from buying stores from a white franchise owner. The lawsuit also stated the number of McDonald’s franchises run by black operators in the US has more than halved since 1998. “Discrimination has no place at McDonald’s,” the company said in a statement. “While we were confident in the strength of our case, this resolution aligns with McDonald’s values and enables us to continue focusing on our commitments to the communities that we serve.” Earlier this month, McDonald’s announced the provision of $250m of low-cost loans over the next five years as its bids to boost diversity among its US franchisees. The company will also increase its efforts globally to draw new operators from underrepresented backgrounds. Meanwhile, McDonald’s said it will sell digital start-up Dynamic Yield, which it acquired almost three years ago for $300m in a bid to boost sales at drive-throughs and digital kiosks, to Mastercard for an undisclosed sum. Dynamic Yield, which helps retailers provide personalised digital promotions to consumers using streams of customer data, has operated as a stand-alone company within McDonald’s since its acquisition. McDonald’s said the deal would allow Dynamic Yield to further scale its capabilities and grow its third-party business. McDonald’s said it would continue to work with Dynamic Yield and Mastercard to bring the technology to additional markets.

Taiwanese bubble tea brand Chatime to make Welsh debut: Taiwanese bubble tea brand Chatime is to make its debut in Wales. The company will open an outlet at the Hayes schemes in Cardiff early next year. Chatime offers freshly brewed bubble tea that can be served hot or cold. Chatime currently has 31 sites in the UK, with more than 2,500 stores in 38 countries. It has further openings lined up in London’s Holloway Road, Preston and Birmingham.

Tomahawk Steakhouse to return to north east heartland for next opening, with a new ‘surf and turf twist’: North east-based multi-site operator Howard Eggleston will return to the region for the next opening under his Tomahawk Steakhouse brand – with a new “surf and turf twist”. Eggleton has taken on the former site of the Vista Mar restaurant in Saltburn and plans a spring 2022 opening. The new site, which promises stunning views of the Teesside coast, will feature DJs playing Ibiza classics as well as a summer twist on its steak-inspired menu, including surf and turf offerings. “This is going to be a fantastic project for and lets us bring a taste of Tomahawk to the fabulous town of Saltburn,” Eggleton told Chronicle Live. “This will be a Tomahawk with a twist, and people will be looking at a surf and turf version of our legendary steaks and sharing boards. Watch out for our gorgeous steaks, an amazing new fish menu plus the regional favourite – six versions of the Tessside Parmo.” The venue will also offer cocktails and beers and will be open all day, seven days a week. In October, Eggleton acquired a former Jamie’s site in Harrogate for his 12th opening under the brand, having earlier this year opened its first north west site in Stockton Heath, Cheshire. Eggleston also operates Brazilian concept Rio in Jesmond as well as two takeaway stores, in Jesmond and Yarm. In July, his company secured a third site for its Pollo by Tomahawk concept, at Xscape Yorkshire in Castleford.

Cookies and Cones opens in Braintree for seventh site: Essex-based American-style dessert company Cookies and Cones has opened its seventh site, in Braintree. The company has opened the outlet at the Braintree Village shopping complex, which follows the launch of a site in Chelmsford last month. Cookies and Cones, which was founded by Mark Davis, opened its debut site, in Leigh-on-Sea, in 2018. KLM Retail acted on the Braintree deal.

Just Eat partners with One Stop to expand grocery offering: Just Eat has partnered with One Stop, the retail convenience store, expanding its grocery offering. From this week, 40 One Stop stores in towns and communities across the UK will offer delivery on Just Eat. Up to 500 grocery items will be available to order in. The partnership further extends Just Eat’s grocery delivery offering, adding to its tie-up with Asda that began last week. Just Eat said its extensive national reach means it will be able to offer delivery for up to 500 One Stop stores nationwide. Andrew Kenny, managing director UK at Just Eat, said: “One Stop is a much-loved British convenience store at the heart of many local communities, making it a perfect partner for Just Eat.” Jonny McQuarrie, One Stop managing director, added “We look forward to offering the Just Eat service to both our existing loyal customers and new customers across the country.” The partnership follows Just Eat Takeaway.com’s global commitment to expanding and building on its extensive existing delivery network, including through convenience grocery operations.

M&B agrees £650m pension insurance deal with Legal & General: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has agreed a £650m pension insurance deal with Legal & General. The deal insures all members in the M&B executive pension plan, British insurer Legal & General said in a statement. British companies have been paying insurers to take on the risk of their defined benefit, or final salary, pension schemes in recent years through the so-called bulk annuity market as the schemes are costly to run, and many are in deficit. Insurance enables companies to take pension risk off their balance sheets. Jonathan Duck, chairman of trustees in Mitchells & Butlers executive pension plan, said: “The trustees are delighted to have concluded this bulk annuity buy-in with Legal & General. The transaction further secures all members’ benefits as well as giving M&B, the plan sponsor, certainty on its future financial commitments. It is a great deal for all parties.”

Work to start in early 2022 on long-awaited £200m St Michael’s mixed-use scheme featuring rooftop restaurant: Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville has revealed work will start on the £200m St Michael’s development in the heart of the city in early 2022. Neville’s company Relentless, which has brought forward the scheme, expects completion of the project in 2024. The initiative, first announced in 2017, is a joint venture with global investment firm KKR. The first phase of the scheme, which comprises 185,000 square feet of office space across nine floors, also includes public space and a new rooftop restaurant with views across Manchester that can accommodate 900 guests. The public space is set to be a hub of music, food, drink, and entertainment. Neville, who also co-owns GG Hospitality, said: “The project has been in the making for such a long time. It will bring this important part of Manchester back to life.” Details of phase two will be revealed “as soon as possible” and work may start in the “back end of next year”, he added.

Clean Kitchen Club becomes first plant-based brand to publish fully carbon-valued menu: Vegan concept Clean Kitchen – which was founded by former YouTube celebrity Michael Pearce, with Made in Chelsea TV star Verity Bowditch joining last year – has announced it is the first plant-based food brand to publish carbon values for each of its items, which will be visible on menus in-store. The plant-based food brand has been working with My Emissions to calculate and reduce the carbon footprint across all areas of the business, and launched the first totally carbon neutral fast food meal box, Happy Planet Meals. Clean Kitchen Club operates out of six sites in London and the south east, opening its two-level flagship outlet in Camden in July, followed by an additional delivery kitchen in Nine Elms this month. It will be opening a larger flagship store in Soho early next year and has four other grab-and-go London sites in the pipeline – as part of plans to launch up to 40 new sites across the UK in the next few years. Pearce, said: “This is a fantastic step for Clean Kitchen, and we are incredibly proud of the work we’re doing with My Emissions to make our menu as sustainable and low-carbon as possible.” Bowditch added: “Clean Kitchen Club isn’t just for vegans but anyone looking to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. We have a real opportunity to change perceptions of plant-based food and help tackle the climate crisis, and this is just the start.”

Tyneside operators partner for South Shields ‘local produce’ takeaway pizza concept, look to expand into delivery service: Jonnie Halling, catering and production manager at South Shields ice cream parlour business Minchella & Co, has partnered with Louisa Smith, owner of the town’s Seaview Cafe, for a new takeaway pizza concept. Ritroivo, which has opened on the town’s promenade, is aiming to champion local food and drink, with its al taglio-inspired pizza slices featuring locally influenced toppings. One example is Ritrovo’s use of a Dicksons saveloy in their Oi Oi Slice, along with caramelised red onion, deep fried sage and mozzarella. “Over the last few years there has been a real movement in South Shields, with the rise of independent food vendors who pride themselves with honest, artisan food,” Halling told Business Daily. “We’re thrilled to be working alongside the likes of Wolfman’s, Willie’s Burgers, Bessie’s Sweet Bakes, Up North Pizza, Zlich and The Harton Hop House, to name just a few. Like many, lockdown was a time to slow down and reflect and ultimately sparked my passion for pizza making, using the time to experiment and perfect the pizza dough. The initial response to Ritrovo has been incredible and we have ambitious plans looking ahead to 2022, with hopes of starting a delivery service across the north east and to collaborate with other local food businesses on unique pizza concepts.”

Staycity opens latest site, in Dublin: Aparthotel operator Staycity has opened its latest site, in Dublin. The 142-apartment property in Mark Street offers modern studio and one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens/kitchenettes, living and dining spaces along with 24-hour reception, fitness room, on-site guest laundry and its Staycafe concept – selling breakfast, snacks and hot and cold drinks. Staycity chief executive Tom Walsh said: “We have seen a huge surge in demand for aparthotels, among both business and leisure travellers who appreciate the home-from-home environment and freedom to self-cater, but with additional facilities such as the gym, reception and café.” The opening of Mark Street comes following a year of strong expansion for Staycity with the addition of new properties in Bordeaux, Heidelberg and Manchester and, in the past few weeks, two new London developments– in Aldgate and Paddington. By the end of spring 2022, the company will operate 5,000 apartments across its Staycity and Wilde brands. 

Empire to sell car park next to Sutton Coldfield cinema to secure its long-term future: Independently owned cinema operator Empire is selling the car park next to its Sutton Coldfield site to raise the funds needed to refurbish and reopen the venue. McCarthy Stone has submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council to develop land next to the cinema, off Holland Road. The proposals will transform the land into retirement living accommodation. Justin Ribbons, chief executive of Empire Cinema, said: “We have worked closely with McCarthy Stone on the plans and see this as an important step towards securing the long-term future of the cinema. We note concerns have been expressed about the operation of the cinema without parking, but we already operate other cinemas in similar conditions. With suitable upgrades, we remain confident in the viability of the Empire Cinema in Sutton Coldfield.”

Nando’s makes Rochdale debut: Nando’s has opened for the first time in Rochdale. The peri-peri chicken chain has taken a 3,500 square-foot unit on a 15 year-lease at the town’s new £80m Riverside scheme, which opened last year as a food, retail and entertainment hub – including a six-screen Reel Cinema. Other operators to have opened at the complex include north west-based independent coffee company Bean and artisan dessert restaurant Heavenly Desserts, while Puttstars, the mini golf concept by Hollywood Bowl, has also opened a venue.