Pret A Manger hires Ross Warnes to head UK & Ireland business: Pret A Manger has hired Ross Warnes, formerly of Kraft Heinz and Unilever, as UK & Ireland president, to lead the brand’s largest market through its next phase of growth. Starting in January 2026, Warnes joins from Kraft Heinz where he held several senior roles, including area vice president – overseeing the company’s biggest business unit in the US – vice president of sales for northern Europe and UK & Ireland sales director. Pret said he will bring a wealth of experience driving growth for food and beverage brands, with experience at Unilever and Nestle’s UK businesses prior to his time at Kraft Heinz. Warnes will oversee Pret’s 500-plus site UK & Ireland estate, spearheading efforts to “grow market share, increase transactions and deliver even greater value to customers”. His appointment comes as Pret doubles down on its commitment to food and coffee innovation following July's successful launch of Super Plates, a premium range of bigger, high protein and nutrient rich salads, which it said is already driving incremental customer visits, as well as focusing on value for customers. In September, Propel revealed that Clare Clough was to step down as the UK and Europe managing director of the JAB Holdings-backed Pret after 15 years with the company. Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret, said: “I’m excited to welcome Ross to the Pret team overseeing UK and Ireland. Ross has great experience in growing food brands and leading high-performing teams. His leadership will be instrumental as we focus on growing our UK market share, driving transactions and delivering more value to our customers.” Warnes added: “I grew up with Pret and have always cherished its freshly made food, organic coffee and friendly service. It's been amazing to see it evolve over the years and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of its exciting future. I’m looking forward to joining the team and taking the Pret brand to new places across the UK and Ireland.”

BBPA  demands  pub-specific  relief to  prevent closures and save thousands of jobs: Following an emergency summit of pub chiefs, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has issued an urgent call for the government to introduce a 30% pub-specific business rates relief to prevent widespread closures and protect approximately 15,000 jobs. It said almost 5,000 of the UK’s smallest pubs will now be hit with a business rates bill for the first time, pushing many to the brink. For the average community pub which will be hit by a 30% increase in rateable value (RV) and the loss of the vital 40% relief, this revaluation means a 63% rise in bills, roughly £6,000 more each year. The trade association said plans to soften the new rates with transitional relief will not counter the devastating impact. It said the sector’s total bill will mean a further £150m by 2028/29, even after transitional support, an increase of 32%. Furthermore, it said the minor 5p tweak to multipliers does nothing to fix the long-standing imbalance as pubs continue to massively overpay relative to their turnover. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “This Budget left publicans petrified and many fearing there is no way they can survive these sky-high bill increases or keep their home. The situation is so grave that it requires immediate action as the very existence of thousands of pubs is at stake. Without urgent intervention, communities will lose their pubs at an alarming rate and take with them livelihoods and jobs. A 30% pub-specific relief is the simplest, fairest and fastest way to protect Britain’s locals and we want to work with government so we can ensure the sector survives.” Meanwhile, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has urged the Scottish government to provide clear and consistent guidance to local licensing boards ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Paul Togneri, senior policy manager at the SBPA, said: “We estimate that each Scotland match could generate an additional £3m for pubs and bars across the country. The late-night kick-offs, coupled with the potential for extra-time, penalties, water-breaks, and even weather delays mean that clear guidance to local authorities is crucial. We stand ready to work with the government and local authorities to ensure Scotland's pubs play a positive role in this historic tournament.”