obsInfo.net

Bristol Hoteliers Association appoints new chair

2025-09-05 12:51:49 By

Bristol Hoteliers Association has appointed a new chair. Adam Flint, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, is taking over from Raphael Herzog who has been in the post for six years.

Mr Flint will now oversee the non-profit organisation, which promotes the interests of the city's hotels.

He said: “I am confident that, with the support from everyone, we will continue to run a fantastic organisation. My passion for hospitality and the industry continues to be stronger than ever, and this new role enhances this even more.”

Mr Flint studied hotel and catering management at Manchester Metropolitan University, qualifying in 1999 and starting his career as a graduate manager with Marriott International, for whom he worked in a variety of roles for more than 18 years. He then moved to Hilton International, holding general manager roles and resulting in his current job.

He said: “Our main focus for 2025 and beyond is to develop our ‘people strategy’, working with industry partners, colleges and learning and development organisations.

“To that end, we will strive to support Bristol as a whole and be the lead in industry for our sector, via our social and charitable network, too."

Mr Flint said 2025 posed "new challenges" for the sector, including rising costs such as wages, National Insurance and the price of goods.

“The impact on profit margins remains and we must think differently and smarter to overcome these challenges," he added. "Our ability to work with key leaders within the city and surrounding areas allows us to voice and steer many things to the good of the industry.

"In terms of the city, changes and developments will continue and it is so important that the BHA remains involved and supportive across the board.”

Mr Herzog said he was proud of representing the association and the wider hospitality sector during the Covid pandemic.

“During my tenure, I saw a big difference in the sector in terms of pressure on costs for employers," he said. "Mental wellbeing is so much more on the agenda today, as is the need for the hospitality sector to offer a better work-life balance.

“I am confident Adam will ensure the BHA continues to represent our industry well and be a voice in the city; we need to continue to promote our sector to younger people."

Highly Recommended

Hellofresh issues stark sales warning after opening UK site shut and 900 jobs at risk

Hellofresh, the recipe box delivery firm based in Germany, has issued a warning that its sales are likely to drop this year. However, it anticipates an increase in profit as it prolongs its cost-cutting initiative, as reported by City AM. The company announced in the latter half of 2024 that its cost-saving programme would be extended until 2026. Hellofresh predicts a decrease in revenue, on a constant currency basis, of between three and eight per cent in 2025. Despite this, the firm aims to boost its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), excluding impairment, to between €200m (£168.6m) and €250m, a rise from €136m in 2024. It also expects its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) to increase to between €450m and €500m in 2025. In a statement, the group said it concluded 2024 "with a strong financial profile that is reflective of the company's focus on pursuing higher profitability and cash flow generation over volume growth". For the past year, Hellofresh reported an adjusted EBITDA of €399.4m, a decrease from the €447.6m it achieved in 2023. Group revenue totalled approximately €7.66bn in 2024, representing a 0.9 per cent year-on-year growth on constant current terms. Dominik Richter, co-founder and CEO of Hellofresh, stated: "In H2 2024 we entered an efficiency reset period." "After five years of solid progress, highlighted by a 34 per cent revenue CAGR and an almost 9x increase in AEBITDA, we are now pursuing the next stage of our strategy." "This stage is initially marked by having to rightsize our cost base across all major categories and improve our unit economics." The company further underscored its commitment to fiscal management: "Driving strong AEBIT and free cash flow performance will enable us to make strategic investments in our product quality, variety and deliciousness in 2025 and beyond." Additionally, enhancing customer relations is a priority: "We are confident that levelling up the customer experience and product will contribute to higher retention of existing customers, and to unlocking new customer segments for the group." Hellofresh is set to announce its full set of results for 2024 on Thursday, 13 March. As reported by City AM towards the end of October 2024, there were plans to shut down one of Hellofresh’s significant UK sites, jeopardising 900 jobs. The Nuneaton distribution facility is expected to continue operations until mid-2025. This 237,000 sqft establishment, inaugurated in 2020, was Hellofresh's second location. Previously, in a month before, City AM disclosed that Hellofresh UK notably reduced its pre-tax loss as it approached the £500m turnover milestone and decreased its workforce by 15 per cent. For 2023, the company posted a pre-tax loss of £755,000 in its Companies House accounts, improving from a loss of £22.1m in 2022. During the same timeframe, the company's turnover rose from £468.4m to £489.9m. The results also revealed a decrease in Hellofresh UK's average workforce from 2,159 to 1,842 within the year.

Historic Coventry shop to close after 100 years as owner says 'retail is also not as nice as it used to be'

A historic Coventry shop is set to close its doors permanently after more than a century in business. Tobacconist and lighter repair specialist Salts was founded by Harry Salt in Parkside, Coventry, in 1916 before relocating to New Union Street in 1961.It was run by the Salt family until it was taken over by Mark Kendall in 2019. Mark, a Coventry local, said he was "really sad" about the impending closure on March 29. He revealed that the decision to shut down was reluctantly made due to several factors. In an interview with Coventry Live, 49 year old Mark said: "Footfall never came back after COVID. Retail is also not as nice as it used to be because there are the issues of break-ins and theft and all those things that happen in city centres to retailers." He also highlighted the challenges posed by the illegal tobacco trade in the city. He said: "Coventry is rife with illegal stuff so the people selling it legally cannot compete." Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Mark said he had relished his time at Salts. He said: "I have loved it! I always wanted to run a shop, so I have really enjoyed it." Customers have been sharing their 'fond memories' of visiting Salts. Many nostalgically recalled trips to the city centre with their grandparents many years ago, Mark said. He added: "It is quite generational, so a lot of people have fond memories of relatives, they used to come here as children with their grandparents, so obviously it holds a lot of sentiment... and a lot of granddaughters and grandsons just remembering when times were more simple, and you remember stuff about your childhood and your now-departed relatives, so a lot of moments for people." Mark added: "We have had a blast! Thanks for all of the support we have had from our regulars, they will be missed."

Mike Ashley-backed Hornby to go private as it ditches stock market listing

Hornby, the global models and collectibles group advised by Mike Ashley, has revealed plans to delist from the London stock market and go private. The move aims to circumvent regulatory obstacles and reduce costs, as reported by City AM. In a statement to the market on Thursday, the company announced its intention to cancel its shares on the AIM stock exchange, citing the high cost of maintaining a public listing, limited liquidity, and regulatory burdens. Over the past 12 months, Hornby's shares have plummeted by 50%. This decision follows significant restructuring at the company, which has been collaborating with Frasers' founder and stakeholder Mike Ashley on a turnaround strategy for the past 18 months. Key aspects of this turnaround have included the sale of subsidiary LCD Enterprises, job cuts, and the relocation of logistics operations to the Midlands. In a statement, Hornby acknowledged the significance of its announcement, particularly for its loyal shareholder base. "The board is well aware of the place Hornby has in the hearts of its loyal shareholder base, and the company's announcement today is not taken lightly," Hornby said. "The directors are confident that operating as a private entity will provide Hornby with the necessary agility for swift decision-making and efficient execution of strategy whilst not depriving shareholders of material benefit." To proceed, Hornby's board requires shareholder approval, which will be determined by a 75% majority vote at a general meeting scheduled for Thursday morning. If the resolution is passed, Hornby has agreed to two share facilities to support investors looking to trade out of their shareholding following any cancellation. This announcement on Thursday marks another setback for London's struggling AIM market, which has witnessed a rise in delistings in recent years. In 2024, AIM contracted to its smallest size in 23 years with 92 firms delisting. Phoenix Asset Management Partners, Hornby's largest shareholder, increased its stake in the firm from 71.6 per cent to 83.3 per cent in December. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, stated that its decision to delist was "not a damning criticism of the UK stock market." He added: "When two shareholders – Phoenix Asset Management and Frasers – own 91 per cent of the company, it doesn't make sense to be a listed entity." He further explained: "Companies admit their shares for public trading to obtain a diverse shareholder base and access capital markets. In Hornby's case, its shareholder base has become incredibly concentrated."

HMV sales on song as billionaire owner helps turn around high street icon

HMV has reported a significant increase in sales over the past three years under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Doug Putman. The high street retailer recorded a turnover of £189.5m for the 12 months to 30 May, 2024, an increase from the previous year's £177.9m, as reported by City AM. This follows HMV's sales figures of £150.7m in May 2022 and £90.3m in May 2021, a year heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. From February 2019 to May 2020, HMV's sales totalled £187.9m. The company was rescued from administration in February 2019 by Canada's Sunrise Records, saving 100 stores and 1,487 jobs. However, 27 stores were closed and 455 employees were made redundant. The business had previously fallen into administration in December for the second time in six years. . Sunrise Records, founded in 1977, was acquired by Doug Putman in 2014. The latest accounts for HMV, filed with Companies House, reveal a slight decrease in operating profit from £5.2m to £4.9m during its most recent financial year. Over the course of the year, the average number of employees increased from 1,375 to 1,544. . DKB Group Holdings, the parent company of Sunrise Records and Entertainment, reported a rise in turnover from £178.9m to £191.4m, while operating profit dipped from £5.5m to £4.9m. In November, City AM reported that HMV had put a halt to its plans to open additional new stores in 2025, attributing the decision to the government's tax-increasing Budget. The retailer noted the challenges facing high street traffic, stating: "Traffic to the UK high street has been in decline for a number of years as customers increasingly shop online." The company is addressing the risk of reduced footfall by offering unique or collectable products that entice customers to visit HMV stores specifically. "Footfall decline risk is being managed by offering products with sufficient exclusivity or collectability that customers will make specific trips to the HMV stores to shop." HMV also highlighted its investment in e-commerce as a strategy to adapt to changing consumer behaviours. "It has also been managed via continued investment in our e-commerce platform." The statement from the board acknowledged significant trading impacts due to global conflicts and potential oil-driven inflation. "Trading in recent years has been impacted significantly by the conflict in Ukraine and an escalation of the Israel Palestine war could exacerbate oil driven inflation, squeezing consumer spending and driving up silly cost."

Takeaway owner says next month will be 'Armageddon' as NI and rates increase

The owner of a new sandwich shop in Birmingham says next month could be 'Armageddon' for the food and drink sector thanks to the imminent national insurance hike and rising rates. From April 1, national insurance contributions (NIC) will increase from 13.8% to 15%, affecting businesses with employees earning over £5,000. Additionally, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief scheme is set to reduce business rate discounts from 75 to 40 percent. In anticipation of these changes, Harrington's Gourmet Sandwiches, has revised their menu prices. Owner David Dindol told Birmingham Live : "I'm very scared, April 1 is going to be Armageddon." He also mentioned that wage increases at sister venue Missing Bar would necessitate price hikes, a move expected by many businesses in the hospitality sector. Mr Dindol added: "We're hiring more part-time staff and the rate relief scheme has been a big hit on us as well." Concerns extend beyond Harrington's, with social media indicating that several pubs may close their kitchens due to the financial strain. Mr Dindol warned against entering the hospitality industry, saying: "Hospitality is a minefield and if someone said to me they wanted to own a pub, I'd say don't." The Labour decision has also drawn criticism from two Birmingham landlords outside of Harrington's. Gary McDonnell of Hennessey's sharply criticised the policy, claiming it will "kill pubs". Meanwhile, Nigel Barker of The Wellington confirmed that the pub would be raising its prices, describing the move as "a really poor decision from the Labour government."

Historic department store Jolly's in Bath to reopen

A 200-year-old department store in Bath which announced its closure in December is reopening. Jolly's on Milsom Street has been a fixture in the city since 1823 and was run until recently by House of Fraser. The shop - one of the oldest of its kind in Europe - has now been acquired by Morleys Stores. The independent retailer was established in 1927 and owns and operates eight department stores across the UK. The company has pledged to restore Jolly's to its "former glory" and honour its "deep-rooted legacy", while revitalising the shopping experience in Bath. It has also promised to retain the Jolly's name. When the store reopens next year it will sell a selection of fashion, beauty and homeware products. It will also offer a full-service beauty experience and food and drink on site. Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Jolly's back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath. "Our approach is to treat each of our stores as a unique independent department store, ensuring we create an exceptional shopping experience tailored to the local community." Bath & Northeast Somerset Council has been working to secure the future of the much-loved store. In December, the local authority said it was in advanced stages with a third-party occupier but did not reveal who it was. Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council leader, said: “Morleys Stores will bring an exciting shopping experience to residents and visitors alike and I am delighted to welcome the business to our vibrant city. Milsom Street has always been a very special shopping destination and Morleys’ decision complements the investment the council is making in the Milsom Quarter.” Bath City Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building. The store will open in two phases with an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October next year. Jess Merritt-John, the former Jolly's store manager, has been retained and will oversee a dedicated heritage space within Jolly's throughout the refurbishment. The space will showcase the store’s history and plans for its future, as well as renovation updates. Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, added: “We set out the council’s commitment to the local economy in our ten-year Economic Strategy and this investment is a very positive recognition of the great retail offer our city has and the work the council has undertaken to support it.”

Harvey Nichols to close Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE is set to lose one of its most prominent retailers as Harvey Nichols' Beauty Bazaar is scheduled to close its doors. The store, situated on Manesty's Lane in the city centre, has been in operation since 2012. The Liverpool Echo. reports that staff were informed of the impending closure on Tuesday. A Harvey Nichols spokesperson revealed that the company is focusing on "full category stores" as part of its growth strategy. They stated: "As we implement our strategy to reposition Harvey Nichols for growth, our emphasis is on full category stores within our estate. "We have reviewed our store portfolio and mutually agreed with the Landlord of our Beauty Bazaar location in Liverpool to surrender the lease as we focus on investment into full-category stores. "Unfortunately, this means that our employees in the Liverpool store may be at risk of redundancy. We have entered into a consultation process and are doing everything we can to support those affected by the surrender." A spokesperson from Liverpool ONE said: "Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols has made an important contribution to Liverpool ONE's success since opening in 2012. We're committed to bringing the best, in-demand brands to Liverpool ONE and we have well-progressed plans to transform the space that will ensure Liverpool ONE continues to go from the strength-to-strength. We look forward to sharing an update soon." The store is expected to close in mid-April. . The store was among the last to resume operations in Liverpool ONE after the nationwide closure of non-essential stores in March 2020. Unlike other retailers, such as Primark, Zara, and Sports Direct, which reopened in June, Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar opted for a phased reopening. Its locations in Knightsbridge, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Manchester reopened between June and August 2020, while the Liverpool store, which features a hair salon, spa, and bar, reopened on September 30, 2020. The three-story Harvey Nichols store in Liverpool ONE offered a range of products and treatments. At its launch in 2012, the store celebrated with a day of pampering, attended by local celebrities and American socialite Olivia Palermo, who cut the ribbon to officially open the store. The decision to open in Liverpool was based on research identifying the city as the UK's second-largest beauty market outside of London. Prior to the store's opening in 2012, Daniela Rinaldi, the retailer's then-group concession and beauty director, stated: "Girls in Liverpool have single-handedly held the banner for glamour. They are groomed within an inch of their lives. They live and breath beauty and this is a thank you to them. "Globally this will be the first time international and premium brands will be housed within such a luxurious environment. It has superseded everyone's expectations and the most used word in this store is 'wow' so it is perfectly in keeping with the name of our fabulous champagne and cocktail bar."

Gong Cha: Bubble tea brand to open 225 new UK stores in nationwide expansion

Bubble tea aficionado Gong Cha has unveiled ambitious expansion plans to launch over 225 stores in the UK, a move set to generate nearly 2,000 jobs, following a franchise agreement with Costa Coffee heavyweight Jinziex. Originating from Taiwan in 2006 and now headquartered in London, Gong Cha's partnership with Jinziex is a key part of its global strategy to hit 10,000 outlets by 2032, as reported by City AM. Jinziex, a nascent venture, is steered by a trio of industry experts: Diljit Brar of Goldex, Azha Rehman from Kaspa's Desserts, and Steve Falle, managing director at WY&SF Ltd. With a presence in 28 countries through more than 2,100 locations, Gong Cha currently operates 13 stores within the UK. Despite facing financial challenges as reported by City AM in September 2024, with sales declines in Korea, the US, and Australia, Gong Cha remains optimistic about its UK prospects. The first batch of Jinziex's Gong Cha stores are slated to open their doors in April, with locations including Sidcup, Gravesend, Romford, and Hornchurch. Paul Reynish, the global CEO of Gong Cha, expressed his enthusiasm for the UK market, stating: "Across Europe we continue to see fantastic interest from potential franchisees keen to bring the world's fastest-growing tea brand to their market." He added, "But where it mattered most to us was the UK, which is one of the most exciting markets for us globally." Reynish concluded with confidence in their new partnership: "After a careful selection process, we're delighted to partner with Jinziex – a proven and highly respected food and beverage franchise operator – who match our ambitions to become the clear bubble tea market leader in the UK. "As a market, the UK has huge potential for us. It's a market that is constantly evolving, ripe with innovation, and made up of consumers willing to try new and exciting products." "We firmly believe it is one of the most significant markets in the global F&B industry, and one of the reasons we relocated our global HQ to London in 2019." "Now, with our expanded footprint, we want to play a leading role in shaping the next decade of the UK's food and beverage industry, while cementing Gong Cha as a household name. We can't wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be." Diljit Brar, CEO of Goldex, added: "Gong Cha is a fantastic global brand with a truly unique customer offer that plays into the heart of changing consumer tastes and trends."

Welsh footfall growth the strongest in the UK despite cooling on January

Retail footfall in Wales increased in February but at a slower rate than January, shows latest research from the Welsh Retail Consortium. Footfall, defined as shoppers entering a store, in February was up 2.% year-on-year (YoY) compared to a 8.5% rise in January. The rise in February was the highest of any nation or region of the UK, followed by the north west of England at 1.9% and London and the west Midlands at 1.8%. For England it rose by just 0.2%, while in Northern Ireland it was down 0.1% and Scotland 0.3%. The biggest fall was in Yorkshire and the Humber, down 3.5%. Shopping centre footfall in Wales YoY decreased by 1.5% in February, down from 8.6% in January. Retail park footfall increased by 2.9% in February YoY, down from 9.8% in January. Footfall in Cardiff decreased by 1.8% (YoY), down from 9.1% in January. Of the core cities of the UK the fall in February in Cardiff was only greater in Liverpool, down 2.5%, Bristol, 5.2%, and Leeds 5.6%. The biggest rise was in Birmingham at 5%. FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION GROWTH RANK NATION AND REGION Feb-25 Jan-25 1 Wales 2.7% 8.5% 2 North West England 1.9% 7.7% 3 London 1.8% 6.7% 3 West Midlands 1.8% 10.0% 5 South East England 0.4% 9.4% 6 England 0.2% 7.4% 7 Northern Ireland -0.1% 3.5% 8 Scotland -0.3% 1.0% 9 East of England -0.8% 8.5% 10 North East England -1.0% 6.8% 11 East Midlands -1.3% 6.4% 12 South West England -1.4% 7.9% 13 Yorkshire and the Humber -3.5% 3.3% TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY GROWTH RANK CITY Feb-25 Jan-25 1 Birmingham 5.0% 14.3% 2 Manchester 3.9% 10.3% 3 Edinburgh 1.9% 2.8% 4 London 1.8% 6.7% 4 Belfast 0.1% 4.8% 6 Nottingham -0.3% 6.7% 7 Glasgow -1.1% 1.9% 8 Cardiff -1.8% 9.1% 9 Liverpool -2.5% 3.2% 10 Bristol -5.2% 6.2% 11 Leeds -5.6% 1.0% Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:“Shopper footfall across all Welsh retail destinations faltered in February, dipping over 5% compared to the previous month. That said, February still saw healthy year on year growth, the best of the four home nations. “Shopper numbers picked up substantially in the last week of February, no doubt helped by the late half term and start of spring weather, coinciding with the benefits of a St. David’s day uptick. “Confident consumers and buoyant household disposable incomes are critical to the health of the retail industry and all who rely on it, including our colleagues and our wider communities. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the Welsh Government’s retail action plan it will be time to take stock on what more can be achieved to cement the future of the retail industry in Wales. With an onslaught of additional government-mandated costs in the pipeline from April, bold decisions will be needed to help safeguard the sector and to help it flourish rather than falter in the years to come.” On the UK picture Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, which carried out the research, said: “After January’s jump-start, retail footfall in February stalled, with retailers seeing a more modest improvement compared to 2024 last month. "While the good news is that shopper counts remained steady, many would have been hoping for a more substantial leap building off a strong start to the year. Retail Parks, consistently one of the top performers in 2024, once again outstripped other retail destinations in February, as the convenience and choice built into their retail offerings again proved popular with customers. " With Easter falling late and well into April this year, this will, undoubtedly, put added pressure on retailers as we head into March. To plug the gap, retailers have an opportunity to create compelling reasons to visit and enhance their offerings with greater convenience and choice, which have been the standout strengths of retail park performance.”

Goldie Lookin' Chain rapper launches new record shop venture

Rapper with the band Goldie Lookin’ Chain Graham Taylor has team up with novelist and presenter Gary Raymond to launch a new record shop business in Monmouth. With a mutual love for vinyl records the pair have opened Grinning Soul Records located at White Swan Court in the town. The new business has been supported with a micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales to part-fund the kit out of their shop and purchase stock. Having been close friends since their school days in Newport, Mr Taylor and BBC presenter and author Mr Raymond had a childhood ambition to open a record shop. Mr Raymond said: “Music fans come from all over the world to visit Monmouth as the home of Rockfield Studios, the legendary Welsh recording studios. Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded here yet there was no record shop in the town. Grinning Soul Records will give local people and visitors like the opportunity to buy traditional vinyl records that were made here in Monmouth. This is our childhood dream come true.” Donna Strohmeyer, investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Gary and Graham are both passionate about music and have a great opportunity to capitalise on the booming vinyl industry and the international market created by Rockfield Studios. Indeed, Grinning Soul Records is already proving to be a popular hub for music lovers in the Monmouthshire area and beyond. It’s a great addition to the vibrant market town of Monmouth.”