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All MCA Insight articles in January 2025
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsBidfood ends union recognition for staff
GMB said Bidfood workers were at risk of being sacked and reemployed on worse terms and conditions - claims the foodservice supplier said were “inflammatory and untrue”
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OpinionComptoir colleagues ‘kiss and make up’
Dominic Walsh hears from Chaker Hanna about burying the hatchet with Comptoir Libanais founder Tony Kitous and returning to lead the listed restaurant company, after their boardroom bust-up two-and-a-half years ago
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Analysis & InsightHospitality leaders vote in favour of AI
A third (39%) of leaders in the hospitality sector believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a ‘transformational’ impact on their operations, according to research from CGA
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NewsDomino’s drives towards net zero with EV rollout
Domino’s Pizza Group (DPG) is advancing its sustainability agenda through a new pilot programme aimed at cutting transportation emissions by 3,985 tonnes of CO2e by 2026
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NewsAmol Rajan to host the MCA Hospitality Awards.
One of Britain’s most high-profile personalities across radio and television, Amol is best known as a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme, and the host of University Challenge
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NewsMarston’s reports ‘solid’ quarter
The pub operator reported like-for-like sales for the 16 weeks to 18 January 2025 up +2.0%, with poor weather conditions in November and January
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NewsStarbucks to reduce management headcount in global cost-cutting
Starbucks has announced significant organisational changes as part of its ’Back to Starbucks’ strategy, aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer experience globally
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Analysis & InsightHospitality insolvencies rise as costs climb
The hospitality and leisure sector has seen a significant 19.5% rise in company administrations in 2024, as businesses continue to grapple with ongoing economic challenges
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Analysis & InsightNICs changes to hit hospitality hardest
New analysis from UKHospitality has revealed that 774,000 workers in the hospitality sector will be newly eligible for employer national insurance contributions (NICs) starting in April 2024
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Analysis & InsightPub acquisition activity likely to be remain subdued
Decisions on pub sales will be deferred and acquisition activity subdued, with buyers not wanting to commit funds ahead of a possible price correction, Fleurets has forecast.
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NewsUncertain future for itsu franchise stores
Itsu is pressing for “the best possible outcome” for staff caught up in the pre-pack administration sale of franchise group Heart with Smart
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NewsBig Fang eyes global expansion with London launch
Experiential leisure operator Big Fang Collective is preparing to open its first London venue alongside wider international ambitions.
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NewsEsquires lines up six more coffee shops
Cooks Coffee Company hopes to have 100 stores operating by the end of 2025, up from its current 87
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NewsNick Ayerst joins Gail’s as MD
The Comptoir Group CEO will join the premium bakery operator at the end of March, while Gail’s sister company The Bread Factory has promoted Dan Barrett to managing director
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NewsSales of Champagne down as habits change
More affordable alternatives, including prosecco and English sparkling wine are increasingly replacing Champagne among consumers, with demand for the premium French fizz at its lowest level in more than two decades.
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Analysis & InsightDrink sales behind this time last year
Average drink sales in the seven days to Saturday 11 January were 9% behind the same period in 2024, according to the latest CGA by NIQ Daily Drinks Tracker, with spirits seeing the biggest decline.
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Analysis & InsightCasual dining market is in recovery phase
The QSR sector saw notable growth in 2024, with a 10% increase in the number of outlets, and further growth predicted this year, according to Christie & Co
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NewsCaffè Nero reports 14% festive sales uplift
The coffee house achieved a 9% like-for-like sales increase in its UK estate, in the five weeks to 30 December 2024, versus 2023, with more than 40% of all transactions coming through its app
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Weekend PressThousands of hospitality venues ‘left worse off’ by Scottish Budget
UK Hospitality Scotland called for rates relief to be expanded, The Scotsman reports
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Weekend PressPopular high street restaurant closes as franchise owners enter administration
A popular high street chain restaurant has shut its doors abruptly following its franchise holder entering administration, Yahoo reports