An official ‘Topping Out’ ceremony was held on 5 February to mark the completion of the highest point in the structure of the impressive 18 storey luxury hotel, InterContinental London – The O2, opening Autumn/Winter 2015 in the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich. At the construction site on the Greenwich Peninsula, adjacent to The O2, The Duke of York, joined key … [Read more...]
10% boost in Hotels, Restaurants & Bars spending in January
After a strong performance in 2014, UK household expenditure trends continued to improve at the start of 2015. The Visa Europe: UK Expenditure Index data signals that spending rose across annual, monthly and quarterly measures in January, suggesting that expenditure remains on a steady growth trajectory. Consumer spending rose by +1.3% on an annual basis in January, … [Read more...]
Sale of Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort
Colliers International report the sale of the Waterford Castle following an international marketing campaign. The 310 acre island with its castle hotel, Des Smyth designed championship golf course and 45 lodges attracted interest from virtually every continent and, following a competitive bidding process, the property has been sold to a purchaser with local family interests … [Read more...]
Bridgepoint enjoys sales surge at Ask and Zizzi
CITYA.M. reports that Zizzi and Ask Italian sales increased by 9.6% in the last six months – proof that the timing of their acquisition by Bridgepoint was excellent. Ask Italian and Zizzi run 137 and 110 restaurants across the UK and Bridgepoint – which already owns Pret A Manger - bought their portfolio in January from private equity firm Cinven for £250m. This completed … [Read more...]
WSTA launches website to fight fraud
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has launched a new counter-fraud measure that seeks to address the estimated £1.3bn worth of alcohol related fraud in the UK. The new website, which is now live at www.wstafraudreport.co.uk, allows alcohol producers, distributors and retailers to report suspected fraud through a simple online map. It will allow the WSTA to pass on … [Read more...]