Growth softens for managed operators as wet weather dampens sales: Britain’s leading hospitality groups saw year-on-year growth slow to 3.2% in October amid widespread poor weather, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. While this is a 13th consecutive month of like-for-like growth for managed restaurants, pubs and bars, it represents a slowdown from a 5.9% rise in September when brighter weather encouraged consumers out to eat and drink. By contrast, Storm Babet and the early stages of Storm Ciarán kept some diners and drinkers at home for periods in October. The tracker, which is produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK, shows a brighter month for pubs, with fans watching the Rugby World Cup helping to lift sales 5.0% above October 2022. Managed restaurants had a softer month with growth of only 2.7%, while the bar segment endured another difficult month, with sales down 7.8%. For the 18th month in a row, groups achieved better growth in London than the rest of the country. Like-for-like sales within the M25 rose 4.8%, compared with 2.7% elsewhere. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “Thirteen successive months of year-on-year growth amid a cost-of-living crisis is encouraging, but there is no escaping the fact that rises are being driven by price rises and remain below inflation. The weather made for challenging trading conditions in many parts of the country, offsetting boosts from occasions like the Rugby World Cup and Halloween. Consumer demand for hospitality remains high, but venues will have to be at the top of their game to achieve real-terms growth over the crucial run-in to Christmas.”

Camm & Hooper acquires first site outside of London as it looks to expand across UK, eyes Leeds and Manchester as well as further Scottish sites: Imbiba-backed events and hospitality group Camm & Hooper has acquired its first site outside of London as it looks to expand across the UK. It has taken on Platform Glasgow, a bar and events venue located below the city’s Central Station. Part of its national growth strategy, the company said the acquisition will enable it to attract a wider national and international client base, while providing new employment and partnership opportunities in Glasgow as it plans to grow across the region. Derick Martin, chief executive of Camm & Hooper, said: “We’re thrilled to incorporate such an iconic and versatile venue into our portfolio. This feels like a homecoming, and we’re excited to infuse our unique touch into the wide array of events at Platform. At Camm & Hooper, we are always on the lookout for unique and distinctive venues that offer guests an unforgettable experience. Platform is a perfect fit with our portfolio, as it is steeped in history and has its own unique story to tell.” Scott McCormick, managing director at Platform, will continue to oversee operations. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter with Camm & Hooper,” he added. “Their reputation for excellence and commitment to creating unique experiences aligns with our vision for Platform to establish itself as a leading venue delivering unique events for our blue-chip client base. Platform looks forward to hosting an even wider range of diverse and memorable events in the heart of Glasgow, and it is our intention to grow the portfolio in Scotland over the next years years, and I am delighted to support Derick in his plans for the growth of the Camm & Hooper Brand.” Featuring six restored arches across 35,000 quare feet, Platform has capacity for up to 600 seated guests across three arches, or 1,800 standing guests. Camm & Hooper said the venue “will remain untouched”, allowing its “distinctive character and deep-rooted connection to the community” to continue to thrive. Camm & Hooper has seen triple-digits growth in 2023 alone and is focused on acquiring additional venues in Scotland, Manchester and Leeds within the coming months. It comes after Camm & Hooper last week said it is continuing to fundraise as it aims to add a further three sites to its portfolio in 2024.