Bear – ‘2025 will be a year of really seeing what we can do as a brand’, exploring new regions: Craig Bunting, co-founder of coffee house, kitchen and bar business Bear has told Propel that “2025 will be a year of really seeing what we can do as a brand” and there is “loads on our radar”. The business, founded in 2014 by Bunting and Michael Thorley, and backed by Clark Group and founding investor Chris Price, will this week open its eighth site, in Wimborne, Dorset. This follows a successful first crowdfunding campaign, which exceeded its initial £500,000 target to raise £964,000 to date, with a further £425,000 of confirmed equity funding expected later in the year. “Trading is good, with an increase in like-for-like sales this year, but 2025 will be a year of really seeing what we can do as a brand,” Bunting said. “We’re discussing some more units in the north, and there’s loads on our radar in Birmingham and the West Midlands. There are a couple on the south coast we’re looking at too, so quite a few opportunities are at different stages of negotiations.” For a business that had previously grown across the Midlands and Cheshire, Dorset might seem like a surprising next location, but it makes absolute sense for Bear. “Michael spent a lot of time in the area when he was in the Royal Marines, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Swanage with my family, so it’s like a second home,” Bunting said. “We’re also backed by Clark Group, and it’s based nearby in Poole. Jumping regions will show that we can operate nationally, and Dorset is the most risk-free way to demonstrate this.” With up to £1m left in its current equity round, Bunting said Bear would be open to further private investment. “We were really pleased with having £1.4m secured – a lot of people who invested were new to the platform,” he said of the crowdfunding campaign. “These were our loyal guests who were just as proud of our journey as we are.” Bunting is open to exploring different store formats, having previously operated within the Jack Wills store in London’s Soho. “We really miss that site as it connected us to the City in a collaborative way,” he said. “We would love to open a smaller format in leafy suburbs – we have the desire but are yet to explore it. We’ve also talked about franchising, but it would have to be with the right strategic partner, as it would be easy for the brand to lose its soul. Things like travel hubs, events and shipping containers also make us very excited, and we’ve had some conversations with some big travel hub companies previously – I like the fact you can become an international brand without leaving the UK. Overseas expansion is not for us in the short or medium term, but perhaps if the right people get involved or the right funding comes in.”

 

Premium Club members to receive next Turnover & Profits Blue Book and videos from Propel’s Talent & Training Conference this week: Premium Club members will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Friday (18 October), at noon. The database will feature 60 updated accounts and 16 new companies, taking the total to 994. A total of 624 companies are making a profit while 370 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors' earnings for the past five years. Premium Club members will also receive all the videos from the Talent & Training Conference on Friday, at 9am. They include Abi Dunn, founder of Sixty Eight People, hosting a panel featuring Tom Vivace, head of talent at Turtle Bay, Gina Knight, head of people at Flat Iron, and Rachel Masing, people director at ETM, debating the pros and cons of psychometric profiling. Meanwhile, Josie Adam, Jenni Haywood and Dominique Macaly, who head up Incipio Group’s people team, talk about the incredible culture they have created and their new strategy for the company’s upcoming flagship Olympia project. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025) and Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club members receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club members will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club members also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

BBPA – new alcohol duty regime led to 100 million alcohol units being removed from the market: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has said the new alcohol duty structure has led to 100 million alcohol units being removed from the market and a boom in new products. The Alcohol Duty Review in August 2023 saw drinks of 3.4% ABV and lower subjected to lower tax, along with a new draught relief to support pubs. This led to brewers investing in lower strength products and pubs serving them to customers – and this shift in sales resulted in the removal of 100 million alcohol units in just one year. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “A progressive alcohol duty regime that incentivises the production and consumption of lower-strength products over stronger, more concentrated products, can help grow the economy and support public health goals. It is vital that the new government continues to take further steps in this direction. However, UK beer drinkers continue to pay among the highest duty rates in Europe and brewers and pubs face eye-watering increases in the cost of doing business. The government must use the Budget to cut beer duty to support our brewers and pubs.” The final stage of the new regime is due to be implemented in February 2025, when lower-strength wine will be a taxed at a lower rate than stronger wine. The BBPA also revealed that 1.3% to 3.4% ABV strength drinks have leapt from under 1% of beer market sales in 2022 to more than 7%, while the no and low category now makes up 2% of the overall market. Nearly 90% of pubs now serve at least one no and low-alcohol beer and approaching 10% now serve a draught option.

 

BrewDog co-founder – hiking up capital gains tax will destroy entrepreneurial spirit in the UK: James Watt, the co-founder of Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog, has criticised proposed plans by the government to raise capital gains tax and said an increase “will destroy entrepreneurial spirit in the UK and in turn severely damage our economy”. Ahead of the Budget on 30 October, Watt said: “Hiking up capital gains tax will destroy entrepreneurial spirit in the UK and in turn severely damage our economy. Most of the brilliant business minds that I know, the people who drive our economic growth and create our jobs, will simply leave the UK to build businesses and create jobs elsewhere. If we lose our brightest and best entrepreneurs, which we undoubtedly will if we significantly increase capital gains tax, we deal a hammer blow to the UK economy and the overall prosperity of every single UK family. Increasing capital gains tax will do far more damage to our economy than any gains we may experience from increasing this tax.”

 

Northern Ireland government examining ‘value and potential’ of country’s night-time economy: The Northern Ireland government has commissioned a study examining the “value and potential” of the country’s night-time economy. The Stormont study is being led by economy minister Conor Murphy, who said the research is in its early stages. “I recognise the important contribution of the night-time economy to ensuring our towns and cities are places where people want to live, work, invest and visit,” he said. “There is insufficient empirical evidence on our night-time economy at present, and my department is in the early phases of commissioning research to understand its value and potential.” In June, Belfast appointed its first night czar. Hospitality operator Michael Stewart will work with bars, clubs, transport operators, restaurants, police and volunteers in the two-year honorary role.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a growing purchasing company that specialises in procurement for premium hospitality businesses that is seeking a head of sales. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The position will be responsible for networking, selling and opening doors for new business within the premium hospitality sector. Strong knowledge of the sector is essential and being able to bring a black book of key contacts will be beneficial.” The salary is up to £80,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

 

Promoted content – introducing Maral, the visionary behind Ayal who is sharing Turkmenistan’s flavours with London’s streets: With the help of the McCain Streets Ahead programme, Maral turned her dream into a thriving business. Through Ayal, she offers Londoners a taste of Turkmen cuisine, from Manti dumplings to traditional palav, highlighting the rich heritage of her culture. To find out more, click here.

 

Pasta Evangelists reports record turnover of £32.2m, loses widen to £14.7m: Pasta Evangelists has reported turnover increased to a record £32,247,162 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £24,976,267 the previous year. Pre-tax losses rose to £14,685,159 from £9,359,281 as the company “invested in its strategy to drive customer awareness, build the brand and acquire new customers as well as build capability to operate its new factory”. In his report accompanying the accounts, co-founder Alessandro Savelli stated: “Turnover has increased by 30.5% on a pro-rata basis. The company has continued to execute its strategy of becoming the authority in fresh pasta and focused on growing and refining its existing direct to consumer business in the UK. Furthermore, it has grown its takeaway business significantly during the period, expanding from 32 to 43 sites. This is a key growth area for the company in 2024 and beyond. At the same time, the company opened its own pasta and sauce factory in west London to significantly reduce cost of product and prepare the business for future growth. In time, the factory will significantly improve margin and create operational efficiencies.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil). Since the year end, the company, which employs around 400 staff, has added a further four takeaway sites. The group also launched its “Pasta Emporium” franchise, which operates two sites in London and previously told Propel there is potential for more than 100 outlets across the UK. Pasta Evangelists has also made its transport hub debut with an opening at Manchester airport.

 

K1 Speed karting and Insomnia Cookies investor acquires majority stake in The Climbing Hangar, plans to ‘scale the business globally’: Verlinvest, the investment firm that backs K1 Speed karting and Insomnia Cookies, has acquired climbing operator The Climbing Hangar. The business, which was founded by Ged MacDomhnaill and Stephen Challoner in 2011, started with a single indoor climbing outlet in a Liverpool warehouse and now operates nine sites in the UK and has 20,000 members. Verlinvest said it has plans to “scale the business globally” and the firm’s investment in The Climbing Hangar, which is believed to be circa £20m, “demonstrates an ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing niche and high-growth sports that have the potential to be mainstream and global at scale, with multiple revenue streams beyond traditional multi-site leisure players”. MacDomhnaill said the partnership will “continue to professionalise the delivery of the sport through data and new technologies”. He added: “I am very proud of The Climbing Hangar’s achievements over the last few years and am excited to welcome Verlinvest as a partner as we look to accelerate the growth of the business.” Ben Black, Verlinvest executive director, London, said: “As a consumer investor, we actively seek growth propositions that drive healthy and exciting alternatives for consumers. The Climbing Hangar represents the new generation of bouldering gyms democratising the sport, widening accessibility and raising the quality of the climbing on offer for all. We are delighted to partner with Ged and the team and will actively seek M&A opportunities with other likeminded partners to build the business on an international scale.” A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report is available to Premium Club members. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

Chipotle UK reports turnover increases to record £26.2m as it accelerates expansion: US brand Chipotle saw turnover for its UK business increase to £26,336,692 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £17,910,338 the year before. Pre-tax losses were up to £12,513,065 from £7,603,948 the previous year as the business, which employs around 360 staff, accelerated its expansion. Royalty income was £873,327 (2022: £765,470). In his report accompanying the accounts, European managing director Ben Williams stated: “Our cost of sales for the full year of 2023 were £29.5m (2022: £19.4m), primarily consisting of restaurant level expenses. Refining our long-term supply strategy for our European locations remains an important objective. We also continue to focus on labour costs as we strengthen our teams and become more efficient in serving our customers. Lastly, we are focused on growing our delivery business while effectively managing the costs associated with this sales channel. We will continue to drive operational improvements and develop opportunistically as our brand gains traction and we create a deep pipeline of future restaurant leaders. We will continue to focus on enhancing the digital capabilities in the UK restaurants to accelerate revenue growth and profitability in the future. We opened two new restaurants in 2022 and six additional restaurants in 2023.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil). At the period end, Chipotle operated 17 sites in the UK. The company has since added two more sites to its portfolio in 2024 and is also set to open at the Lakeside scheme in Essex. Meanwhile, Chipotle’s US business has invested in the Eastern Mediterranean-inspired, fast-casual concept Brassica through its $100m Cultivate Next venture fund. It has made a minority investment in the Ohio-based Brassica, which was founded in 2015 and currently operates six restaurants. “Investing in emerging culinary concepts that align with Chipotle's commitment to using real, fresh ingredients and making craveable food daily is consistent with our mission to Cultivate a Better World,” said Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle.

 

Future of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Mayfair in doubt after parent company placed into liquidation: The future of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in London’s Mayfair has been placed into doubt after it failed to secure new investment and its parent company, L’Atelier Robuchon, was placed into liquidation. The original London L’Atelier Joël Robuchon was opened in Covent Garden in 2006 but closed in April 2018, just nine months after chef Joël Robuchon died, aged 73. It returned to London in September last year, taking residence at the group’s Comptoir Robuchon location in Mayfair. The Mayfair restaurant is currently closed. Propel understands that over the past five years, the business has accrued considerable losses, which have largely been paid for by loans from its shareholders and Luxembourg-based parent company. It is believed to have been seeking additional funding from existing shareholders and from new investors in recent weeks, but none has been forthcoming. The business has appointed Begbies Traynor to deal with the insolvency of the company and its formal liquidation. The Le Deli Robuchon sites in Piccadilly and Chelsea remain open. Begbies Traynor declined to comment.

 

Loungers plans Cosy Club opening in Reading: Café bar operator Loungers is looking to open a site under its Cosy Club brand in Reading, Propel has learned. Loungers, which currently operates 36 Cosy Club sites across the UK, is looking to open a site in The Oracle scheme in the Berkshire town’s Minster Street. Cosy Club, which is led by Lucy Knowles, opened its latest site in the summer, on the former Pitcher & Piano site in Sheffield’s Holly Street. Last month, Loungers group manager Justin Carter said Cosy Club could eventually grow to up to 80 sites, while in July, Loungers chairman Alex Reilley said it is “time for the brand to further distance itself from Lounge and assume a slightly more premium position on the high street”. Loungers anticipates opening one or two Cosy Clubs per year on an ongoing basis.

 

Rudy’s eyes Cambridge opening: Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, the Mission Mars-owned brand, is eyeing an opening in Cambridge. The circa 30-strong brand is looking to open in the former TSB bank between the entrances to Lion Yard and Grand Arcade in the city. The business plans to open sites in Prestwich and Newcastle before the end of the year. The brand, which recently opened at Westfield London, plans to open in the former Barclays Bank building in Bury New Road, in Prestwich. It has also lined up an opening on the ex-Royal Bank of Scotland site in Newcastle’s Grey Street. In July, Mission Mars said that Rudy’s first half like-for-like sales were up 17% compared with the previous year, as it delivered record first-half revenue of £19.9m (FY23 £12.1m). Rudy’s is targeting opening nine sites this year and said it aims to open a similar number of pizzerias in FY25.

 

Lane7 plans Reading opening: Boutique bowling company Lane7 is looking to add a site in Reading to its opening pipeline. The 17-strong business, which recently opened its debut international site, at the Playce in Berlin, and its second site in London, in Camden, plans to occupy the ex-Mothercare site in Reading’s King Street. It is also lining up locations in Lincoln and Milton Keynes and two in its home city of Newcastle, including a new concept for the business. The company will also open its first site in Ireland, in Dublin, this December. Earlier this week, Lane7 founder Tim Wilks argued that competitive socialising concepts like his own are becoming the new anchor tenants for shopping developments across Europe. It comes as the business is seeking to grow its European portfolio by some ten venues over the next two years. Will Biggart, of Torridon, acts for Lane7.

 

Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course reports increased sales across all revenue streams but losses rise: Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course has reported increased sales across all revenue streams in the year to 31 December 2023, but its losses increased. Trump International Golf Club Scotland, which owns a resort in Balmedie, near Aberdeen, saw its turnover grow from £3,593,122 to £3,749,487 during the year, while its pre-tax loss widened from £738,344 to £1,427,216. “The company once again successfully increased sales across all revenue streams, with the most robust growth from retail and food and beverage,” said director Eric Trump. “The year saw a sizeable increase in tournament and marketing expenditures, which we expect will deliver elevated levels of revenue performance in 2024 and beyond, as well as an abnormal increase in energy costs. Substantial investment continues to be made by the business to develop its long-term strategic growth. In August 2023, Trump International Golf Club Scotland hosted the hugely successful PGA Seniors Championship, the oldest senior golf tournament in the world and flagship event of the Legends Tour. Hosting events of this magnitude has significantly raised the profile and reputation of the business and requires increased expenditures for tournament staging, event facilities and tournament specific marketing. This past year has also marked the start of the second major stage of development with the high-profile ground-breaking of a new world class links golf course as part of a long-tern vision for the property. Two residential properties were also acquired during the year to further enhance the development opportunities within the estate.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil). Earlier this week, Propel reported Donald Trump’s other Scottish golf resort, Turnberry, saw its profit soar in 2023 after benefiting from foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The Ivy Collection confirms opening details for next three sites: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, has confirmed the opening details for its next three sites. Propel reported last month that the circa 42-strong brand would open four new sites by the end of the year – in Belfast, Bournemouth, Canterbury and Liverpool. The Belfast location is now open, in Cleaver House at 56 Donegall Place, and this will be followed by the Canterbury restaurant, at 16 Parade, on Tuesday, October 29. A restaurant on Bournemouth seafront will then open on Tuesday, 12 November, while the Liverpool venue does not have an opening date yet but will launch on Castle Street before Christmas. Last month, Caring was reported to be close to clinching the sale of his Ivy restaurants, paving the way for a new owner of the business. Sky News reported Caring, who began exploring an auction late last year, was set to sign with Si Advisers. It said a deal, which would be expected to value the business at around the £1bn, would most likely see Caring offload close to all of his stake in The Ivy Collection.

 

Gail’s wholesale sister business takes on ten new apprenticeships: The Bread Factory, the wholesale sister business to fast-growing Gail’s Bakery, has taken on ten new apprentices. The business, which operates alongside the circa 125-strong Gail’s under parent company Bread Holdings, will guide the new cohort through a 12 to 18-month programme to attain the level of a skilled artisan baker in what typically takes over three years. The onboarding began last year, with the bakers learning about the business ahead of the start of the apprenticeship this month. The bespoke programme includes masterclasses, practical skills development, on the job development and attending one of factories in Milton Keynes. Deyana Petrova, the group’s apprenticeship and learning and development lead, said: “The Growing Bakers programme is truly special, and it’s a privilege to watch it develop. Baking is a unique craft and supporting others’ learning and growth is an honour I cherish. There’s no greater reward for our efforts than seeing someone gain confidence, learn new skills and believe in themselves.”

 

The Beautiful Pubs Collective takes on fourth Everards pub, reports strong start to 2024 with first six months of trading up 6%: The Beautiful Pubs Collective, the privately owned Leicestershire independent operator led by Sam Hagger, has taken on its fourth pub with Everards and reported a strong start to 2024, with its first six months of trading up 6% on 2023. The Beautiful Pubs Collective has further extended its partnership with Leicestershire brewer and retailer Everards by taking over its Old Horse pub in London Road, in Leicester, from Kevin and Dee Shepherdson, who have retired following a 28-year tenure. “The Old Horse is the perfect addition to The Beautiful Pubs Collective, not only in terms of its location, but also for the opportunity to invest in and curate something special in a wonderful part of our home county,” said Hagger. “Not just for guests old and new to enjoy, but also for our talented team of hospitality minds to evolve.” Everards managing director Andy Wilson added: “Sam and the team are such a natural fit as they will put the customers at the forefront to deliver an outstanding offer – just as they do with the three pubs where we already partner. We’re proud of our collaboration with the Beautiful Pubs Collective and this addition will continue the partnership between two Leicestershire independent, family-owned businesses.” Hagger said Beautiful Pubs Collective's strong start to 2024 follows a 7% like-for-like sales increase to £3,624,494 for the year ending 31 December 2023, “despite the footfall challenges associated with its Leicester city centre venues”. The company also operates the Rutland & Derby Arms and the Knight & Garter in Leicester and The Forge Inn in Glenfield.

 

Gourmet burger concept that has Fireaway founder as a backer set to double estate with two openings: Gourmet burger concept Five Akhis, which has fast-pizza brand Fireaway founder Mario Aleppo as a backer, is set to double its estate with two openings. Five Akhis was founded in 2021 by four friends who grew up in Milton Keynes together. Aleppo invested in the fledgling business last summer, taking a 5% stake as well as lending his expertise. Five Akhis currently operates two sites in Milton Keynes – a full-service restaurant and an express format location – but is now preparing to expand outside of the city. Propel understands Five Akhis has lined up openings at 209a Cowley Road in Oxford and at Unit 4 Octagon Way in Northampton. Both sites will be operated by franchisees, and a further franchise deal for Luton has also been signed, with the search underway for a location.

 

Tiger Tiger owner continuing with disposal programme to improve profitability: Bar, restaurant and nightclub operator Eden Gardens Entertainment, which owns London nightclub Tiger Tiger, has said it is continuing with its programme of disposals to improve profitability. It comes as the company, which also operates Zoo Bar in London and Florpia in Manchester, reported turnover was down to £16,223,058 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £22,389,353 for the 13 months previously. The group made a pre-tax profit of £4,744,318 compared with a loss of £15,461,533 the previous year after £5,809,159 of associated company loans were waived. A total of four venues ceased operation in 2023 including Cargo in Leeds, which has since been reopened by John O’Donohuge, owner of the award-winning Home nightclub and Carousel bar concept. In their report accompanying the accounts, the Eden Gardens Entertainment directors stated: “The group is continuing with its programme of planned disposals to improve profitability.” The company, which employs around 200 staff, did not receive any government grants (2022; £16,609). A dividend of £5,180 was paid (2022: nil).

 

Bamford Collection hires Anita Atkins as director of sustainability: Bamford Collection, which includes Daylesford Organic and Daylesford Stays, has hired Anita Atkins as its new director of sustainability. Atkins joins the Bamford Collection after two years as food, brand and sustainability director at Holroyd Howe, which is part of WSH and services around 250 independent UK schools. She also spent 16 years at all-day dining casual cafe brand Boston Tea Party, including the final four years as its brand and sustainability director. Daylesford Stays is Bamford Collection’s hospitality division which encompasses a collection of “traditional Cotswold-stone cottages and modern British Inns” such as The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, The Fox in Oddington, The Bell in Charlbury and The Three Horseshoes in Ashtall.

 

Archie’s new roller-skating venue to feature immersive player experience: North west burger, shakes and waffles concept Archie’s is to launch a new immersive player experience in Atomic, its new roller-skating concept, which is set to launch in Manchester this year. The company is investing £3m into the venue, which will be located in Trafford Palazzo in the former Next site and will occupy a 25,000 square-foot space, including a 5,000 square-foot roller rink. Archie’s is working with the Manchester-based Conductr on the new experience, called The Arena. Conductr said: “Designed to elevate competitive socialising, The Arena blends physical and digital gameplay into an action-packed experience that’s as fun to watch as it is to play. Already being rolled out across North America, we’re excited to bring the thrill home to our doorstep in Manchester (with more European launches right around the corner).” Earlier this year, the group told Propel that Archie’s Atomic will be its entry point into the leisure industry. Beyond the introduction of the north west’s largest roller rink, the debut Atomic venue will also feature an arcade area, private party rooms, DJ decks, an Archie’s diner and Archie’s milkshake bar.

 

London experiential company set to launch immersive Elvis experience, selected to join programme supporting innovative companies in the capital: London experiential company Layered Reality is set to launch an immersive Elvis Presley experience. Elvis Evolution will use digital technology and multi-sensory storytelling to celebrate Presley’s legacy. It will launch at London’s ExCeL in the spring of 2025, with plans in place to then take the experience to other major cities around the world. It comes as Layered Reality was selected as part of the Grow London Global Cohort 5 – a programme designed to support innovative companies as they scale their businesses and expand their global presence. The programme, led by growth agency London & Partners, provides bespoke business support and is funded by the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The 12-month programme sees businesses gain access to expertise across global HR, finance and technology, while benefiting from bespoke resources, networking opportunities and trade missions. Founder Andrew McGuinness said: “With the upcoming launch of Elvis Evolution, we are well-positioned to bring our immersive experiences to global audiences. Being part of this prestigious programme will provide us with the tools and insights to unlock new markets, expand internationally and continue redefining what is possible in the world of immersive entertainment.” Layered Reality currently has two experiences running in London – Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience in Leadenhall Street, and The Gunpowder Plot Immersive at the Tower of London’s Tower Vaults. 

 

Hotel group launches two new ventures: Immersive Hospitality Management (IHM), formerly Corus Hotels, is launching two new ventures. Over the next 12 months, IHM will expand its own sub-brands and hotel concepts starting with a new collection of wellness-focused Imerso Hotels, and a future partnership with Marriott Tribute Portfolio and Troo Hospitality on a big refurbishment project in Central London. IHM is a subsidiary of Malayan United Industries Berhad, which has owned and operated a sizeable number of hotels for more than 60 years in the US, Australia, UK and Malaysia. IHM said it is now look to diversify further starting with its new Imerso Hotels format. The first property set to open under the sub-brand will be the multimillion-pound refurbishment of luxury 80-bedroom Buckinghamshire country hotel, Burnham Beeches. In late 2025 or early 2026, IHM will welcome its partnership with Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Troo Hospitality, with the opening of a four-star property in Central London. IHM has invested £35m into the Hyde Park property’s redevelopment, renovation, brand identity and design. IHM chairman Andrew Khoo said: “With a strong pipeline already ahead, IHM is on track to set the stage for rapid global expansion, with a particular focus on the Far East.” The company started in 1993 as Regal Hotel Group, expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, prompting the creation of Corus Hotels in 1999. A programme of consolidation and incorporation saw the business evolve with the management of hotels, not only in the UK but internationally too. 

 

Liverpool Catalonian restaurant moves to employee ownership: A Catalonian-inspired restaurant in Liverpool has transitioned to employee ownership. Lunya was established in 2010 by Peter and Elaine Kinsella and now employs 67 people. The transition will enable the co-owners to eventually retire while securing the venue’s future. Under the new model, employees will have a greater say in the business’s strategic direction and a stake in its financial success. Peter Kinsella said: “This significant change marks a new chapter in Lunya's journey, as it places the future of the business in the hands of our dedicated staff, ensuring the continuation of our unique culinary and cultural experience for years to come.” Elaine Kinsella added: “This transition is a testament to the incredible people who make up the Lunya family. We believe this new chapter will bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and continued success; and eventually significant financial rewards for our team.” Tom Cavanagh, director of operations, added: “We are very grateful for their generosity, in effect, gifting us the business, and we plan to continue to run and develop Lunya so it continues to be recognised as one of the very best Spanish restaurants in the UK.”