In a week when Sir Rocco Forte was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Hotel Awards, Rocco Forte Hotels has also announced a strategic partnership with Fondo Strategico Italiano Spa (FSI), the Italian State-backed sovereign fund 80% controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and 20% by Bank of Italy. It has a paid-up share capital of €4.4bn. FSI is … [Read more...]
Restaurant and pub groups report October sales growth
The London economy remains the main driver of growth in the eating and drinking out market. Nationally, restaurant and pub groups saw collective like-for-like sales grow 2.2% in October against the same month last year, while inside the M25 that growth was 4.1%, according to latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker data. Good month in London; increasing investment outside … [Read more...]
VQ secures investment for growth
VQ the 24 Hour Café & Diner that feeds and waters Londoners around the clock is set to grow after securing new investment from Richard Northcott, the entrepreneur who founded Dodge City (now B&Q) and Pet City (now Pets at Home). Led by Managing Director Simon Prideaux, VQ has seen a 24% uplift in like-for-like sales on the back of its rebranding and refurbishment in … [Read more...]
BSA Best Drinks and Accreditation winners
Winners of the Beverage Standards Association (BSA) Awards were announced at the Awards ceremony on 10 November at The Midland Hotel, Manchester. The aims of the Awards are to raise standards across the industry and help all participating establishments to improve in their chosen field of operation. All businesses which entered the 2014 Accreditation and Best Drink Awards … [Read more...]
People 1st Apprenticeship Awards open for entries
Nominations are now open for the People 1st Apprenticeship Awards 2014/2015. The awards will celebrate the achievements of apprentices, employers, providers and mentors in the hospitality, passenger transport, retail and travel industries. Simon Tarr, People 1st Managing Director, said: “After two successful years of running the Apprenticeship Awards for the hospitality … [Read more...]