Exclusive – Stack confident of significant growth in latest financial year, Kings Park invested £9m in business: Leisure venue operator Stack, which operates mixed-use sites known for their fusion of bars, live entertainment and leisure activities, has said it is confident it will report significant growth for the year ended 30 April 2025. At the same time, it has revealed that Kings Park Capital invested £9m in the business at the start of last year. In an update to Companies House, the company said Stack Seaburn in Sunderland (acquired in December 2023) had attracted more than three million visitors since 2020. The group, which also operates sites in Lincoln and Newcastle, opened Stack Lincoln in May 2024 and Stack Middlesbrough in December 2024. Stack said it was excited about the long-term prospects of these venues and the partnership with local authorities. The business said it has further plans to open new venues in Newcastle (Worswick Chambers in May 2025), Durham, Bishop Auckland, and Whitley Bay (all due to open by the end of 2025), with more in the pipeline. Stack said: “The group has spent in excess of £25m on development costs to date and is on track to meet its growth targets in terms of both venue openings and operating income. In addition to this, the group continues to provide modern solutions for vacant properties and/or under-used spaces supporting the re-imagination and regeneration of towns and city centres. The mutually beneficial partnerships with local authorities and communities help create a sustainable and vibrant experience as well as strengthening Stack's position as a leader in sustainable leisure developments. The openings since the year end have performed significantly better than the board’s initial expectations and the board is confident the group will report significant growth for the year ended 30 April 2025.” The group's financial performance, reflecting the four-month period from re-organisation of 29 December 2023 to 30 April 2024 when it was separated from sister company Danieli Holdings, was turnover of £2.4m, gross profit of £1.3m and Ebitda of £55,000. Kings Park Capital currently also backs sector companies including the Inn Collection Group, which operates 31 sites across the Lake District, the north east, North Yorkshire, Lancashire and North Wales, the nine-strong burger concept 7Bone and Highland Coast Hotels, which operates eight sites in Scotland. Kings Park Capital also previous backed Fuel Juice Bars.

Propel’s International Brands report showcasing the 100 top global hospitality operators in the UK available to pre-order now: Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality, launches this March and is available to pre-order now. This comprehensive 30,000-word report covers company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential resource for industry professionals. The top 100 features fast-growing brands from major international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The guide will be delivered in two formats: an introductory PDF featuring expert analysis on international brands and a fully searchable Excel sheet for quick access to key data. This data will be categorised into the key sectors of pubs and bars, hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, cafés and bakeries, experiential leisure, and fine dining. Industry experts sharing their insights in the report include Keith Bird, former chief executive of Marugame Udon, on the challenges of introducing an international brand into the UK; Simon Chaplin, senior director of pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, on why London remains a prime entry point for international brands; Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann, director of Think Hospitality, on why European brands choose the UK for expansion; and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova on the UK market for QSR operators. The International Brands report will be available from 9am on Friday, 28 March, priced at £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club subscribers can purchase at a discounted rate of £395 plus VAT. Premium Club subscribers will also receive the report free of charge on Friday, 9 May at 9am. Secure your copy now – pre-order today by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.