Sat 8th Mar 2025 - Exclusive: Bill’s sees profits double in the past two years, actively seeking international franchise partnerships, to launch delivery across estate Exclusive – Bill’s sees profits double in the past two years, actively seeking international franchise partnerships, to launch delivery across estate: Richard Caring, the backer of all-day dining concept Bill’s, has said he is “excited for what is next for the business” after it saw profits double in the past two years and set out plans to explore several growth opportunities this year, including an overseas launch. The 47-strong business said it had seen a “remarkable turnaround” in sales, guest metrics and Ebitda over the past 24 months, with group Ebitda doubling to £11.2m in FY24 from £5.5m in FY2022 on a like-for-like basis. It reported sales of £96.4m in 2024, a like-for-like increase of 4% compared with 2023. Caring, who acquired a majority stake in the then two-strong Bill’s in 2008, appointed Tom James as managing director of Bill’s in October 2022, with a clear brief to reinvigorate the brand. The company said that “as well as a laser focus on improving the guest experience and a new leadership team, Bill’s has introduced a vibrant new menu and has maintained its position that value is critical to success in today’s market”. It said that a host of new technologies across all areas of the business have also been a key feature in the turnaround. With all bonuses, recognition and rewards aligned to achieving guest and team metrics, the business said it had accelerated its performance under its goal of “everyone leaves happy”. Caring said: “Bill’s always had enormous potential, and we are seeing that being realised, with record sales numbers and a best-in-class dining experience while offering incredible value to the Bill’s guest. Strong profits always lead to opportunities, and I am excited for what is next for the business”. The company said it was actively seeking international franchise partnerships, and Propel understands that the business is currently looking at opportunities in the Middle East (Dubai and Riyadh), South East Asia and India. Propel revealed last July that Bill’s was to return to the expansion trail with a new iteration of its restaurant format, following the trial of two new cafe bar concepts in early 2024. In November, the company opened its first new site in six years, in Milton Keynes, on the former Café Rouge site in the town’s Queens Court. A further opening followed before the end of last year, on the ex-Frankie & Benny's site in the Clarks Village shopping outlet in Street, Somerset. The company told Propel that both had performed “very well”. It said: “Both sites had excellent trading over the Christmas period and have continued to perform ahead of budget for 2025.” It said it continued to look at new site locations in the UK, and is “actively working with agents looking for opportunities to grow”. The company also said that as a core part of its growth ambitions, the brand will enter the delivery market across all locations for the first time this spring, having signed an exclusive partnership with Deliveroo. James said: “We have laid the foundations to build a very robust and exciting business for the future. These results, despite the challenging trading environment, show how popular the brand is. Both of our new sites in Milton Keynes and Street are trading well ahead of expectations, and I’m incredibly proud of what the teams have achieved. We are ready for the next chapter of brand growth.” Bill’s features in the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality, one of six databases available exclusively to Premium subscribers. The latest edition, which was sent out last month, features full profiles of 891 of the UK’s top operators, listed in alphabetical order. The companies have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. 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.