Nando’s posts half billion UK turnover: Nando’s Group Holdings has reported that turnover in the UK has hit £534.9m in the 52 weeks to 23 February 2014, up from £485.1m the year before. Profit before tax was £30.4m (2013: £33.4m). The number of restaurants increased to 370 from 343 the year before, with five new Gourmet Burger Kitchen openings. Gross profit margin was 29%, a fall from 31% achieved in the prior period. Administrative expenses rose to £85.4m from £74.5m the year before. Net debt fell to £357m from £375.6m the year before after £32.5m of loans were repaid. The company stated: “The average result for the 52-week period has been satisfactory – however, we always aim to improve performance. The company operates in a very competitive and fragmented market, which is constantly bringing new concepts and products to the expanding customer base. However, we believe Nando’s offers a unique product that gives us a competitive advantage.” A dividend of 12p per share was paid in the year (2013: 28p per share) totalling £6m (2013: £14.2m). The highest paid director earned £302,000 (2013: £287,000). The company has 10,993 staff, up from 10,245 the year before. A royalty payment of £24.3m (2013: £22.2m) was paid to a related party, Tortolli BV, in relation to a 5% charge on net turnover for the use of Nando’s global brand and concept.

 

Davy’s of London reports turnover and profit boost: London wine bar and restaurant operator Davy’s has reported turnover increased to £12,293,359 in the year to 29 March 2014, up fro £11,831,452 the year before. Pre-tax profit climbed to £813,052 compared to £706,488 in the year prior. The year saw Sarah Weir join the board of directors in January in the role of commercial director. An ordinary dividend of £193,440 was paid and a final ordinary dividend of £290,160.

 

Café Rouge hires new brand and marketing director: Following the recent appointment of James Spragg as managing director of Café Rouge, owner Tragus has further strengthened its brand board with the addition of Georgia Hall as brand and marketing director. Hall’s experience includes working for Tower Records when it was the world’s largest record retailer, YO! Sushi (taking it to its £52m sale in 2008), Virgin Atlantic, Sony, Vodafone and Chelsea FC. She was also the founder of digital agency Zinc in 2002. She said: “I intend to capitalise on our brand’s real heritage and make it shine again. It’s all about the food, wine, service and the decor so I’ll be working with James Spragg to ensure that all touch points are absolutely delivering to the highest brand standards – from signage that oozes Parisian chic to the most fantastic red wine. After many years agency-side, I’m looking forward to having a focus on one brand, especially when it’s one with such fantastic, nostalgic potential. I’ve been on the look-out for an opportunity to work on the next big thing and I relish the idea of refreshing Café Rouge. Ultimately, my goal is make us all remember why we once fell in love with it, and fall in love all over again.” Spragg added: “What we’ll see from Georgia is an injection of energy and creative brilliance that’s going to transform our marketing efforts and put Café Rouge back on top. I am very optimistic about the future of Café Rouge and making the next chapter our most exciting yet.”