All MCA Insight articles in March 2025 – Page 5
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Analysis & InsightWatchHouse: ‘There’s now an opportunity to go super quick’
After a slow and steady start in business, the premium coffee house operator is accelerating expansion, with sites in London, New York and Abu Dhabi lined up, CEO Roland Horne explains
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NewsExultant bolsters Pret A Manger portfolio with seven new sites
Following last year’s acquisition of the North West London territory, Exultant Group has added seven more Pret A Manger locations to its portfolio
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NewsSoho Estates pledges to be ‘responsible custodian’ of area
Newly announced CEO Fawn James said she will be “exploring opportunities beyond our traditional portfolio, such as new types of spaces, partnerships or investments that complement what we do”
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NewsHospitality insolvencies rise in January but annual decline offers hope
Insolvencies saw a 21% month-on-month increase in January 2025, rising from 225 in December to 273, according to the latest statistics
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NewsKnoops strengthens leadership team amid global expansion plans
The premium chocolate drinks brand has named Kai Hepworth as UK MD, alongside a leadership team shake-up including a new chair and COO
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NewsHospitality embraces AI to boost efficiency and experience
Workers are rapidly adopting AI to improve operations, with 91% of employees reporting a positive impact on their workplace, according to new research
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NewsShepherd Neame: Budget will cost £2.6m
The family brewer and pub operator is planning to raise prices, review its capex spending, and transfer 10 pubs from retail to tenancy to improve returns
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Analysis & InsightPret on the balance between tech and human interaction
The brand is exploring how to provide an efficient grab-and-go offer while retaining its customer service experience, according to global retail technology director Chris Matthews
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NewsCornish Bakery exploring sale of the business
The bakery coffee shop chain has appointed advisors at Tamweel Capital to oversee a sale of the 66-shop business.
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Analysis & InsightNew business rates multiplier will further threaten investment
Businesses affected by the proposed ‘super tax’ multiplier are considering passing on costs to consumers, cutting staff, and reviewing their investment strategies
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NewsBroadwick Group acquires Camm & Hooper
The acquisition of the events company has further expanded Broadwick’s portfolio of venues, event services, and live entertainment
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NewsInception Group: ‘Businesses are looking to open in less hostile environments’
The business model is ‘broken’ for hospitality businesses in the UK, co-founder Charlie Gilkes has said
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NewsWestmorland invests heavily into food offer
The motorway service area operator reported a drop in turnover due to the economic backdrop and lower fuel prices, but this was offset by increased trading in its non-fuel business
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EventsLumina’s Food Strategy Forum: Crunch, cost and consumer shifts
The forum delved into the trends redefining the sector, from the rise of texture-driven innovation to how operators are navigating economic pressures and shifting consumer habits
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InterviewsCosta sees ‘significant opportunity’ in drive-thru market
The coffee shop chain will open up to 45 new drive-thru locations this year and has a strong pipeline in place for the next three years, according to property & store development director Nick Ridley
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InterviewsPremium lunch concepts confident of growth in the capital
Strong mid-week footfall coupled with consumer demand for high quality lunch options is giving premium lunchtime operators, such as Sandwich Sandwich and Yolk, the confidence to expand in London
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InterviewsBurger & Lobster to open in Kensington with three more sites in 2025 pipeline
The restaurant chain is gearing up for further UK and international expansion in 2025, with plans to open three sites on top of the new Brighton and High Street Kensington locations
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NewsPermanently Unique makes senior appointments
Long-standing managing director Dan Purnell has been promoted to chief executive, while Andrew Jobes joins as chief operating officer for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region
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NewsJoe & The Juice appoints new UK MD
Jon James joins the global juice and coffee brand from Starbucks UK, where he served as director of UK retail and central operations. He will work to strength the UK leadership team and expand its store footprint, as the business ups its investment in the UK
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NewsFireaway has ambitions for 400 UK stores
Founder Mario Aleppo has grown the pizza franchise business to 160 shops but has now stepped back from the day-to-day running of the brand following the appointment of a managing director