Daylesford Organic swings into profit: Daylesford Organic, the business owned by Lady Carole Bamford, the wife of JCB boss Lord Bamford, has reported it made a pre-tax profit of £1,251,549 in the year to 31 March 2025, a big swing from a loss of £4,840,395 the year before. Turnover rose to £58,069,976 from £55,454,457 the year before. The business owes £55,649,429 to group undertakings. Adjusted Ebitda was £2,815,326 compared to an adjusted Ebitda loss of £2,068,518 the year before. The company stated the improved position was driven by strong sales growth and improved operational efficiency. It added: “Turnover growth was supported by increased demand across retail stores and wholesale channels  as our offering continued to resonate with customers, particularly as we expanded our focus on gifting. The Year marked the first full year of Heritage House, a dedicated events space at Daylesford House, which enabled us to host landmark events and brand experiences at a scale not previously possible.” Staff turnover was 58.8%, up from 53.3% the year before. The company stated: “Underlying staff turnover improved, but the relocation of a number of Head Office roles from London to the Cotswolds led to higher staff turnover than in the previous period.” The company currently has three retail sites in London – in Pimlico, Brompton Cross and Notting Hill and three restaurants at farm sites. 

Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies to be made free to Premium subscribers on day of publication: Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies is making its return – and will now be available to Premium Club subscribers on the day of publication (9 January). The Propel 500 – 2026 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites and key staff. The 45,000-word report will feature exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year. Mark Wingett will review the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters. Katherine Doggrell will examine the key developments in UK hotels and look into one of the sector’s brightest lights, experiential leisure, while Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Propel 500 – 2026 will be released on Friday, 9 January at 9am and will be available free to Premium Club subscribers. The report will be available to non-Premium Club subscribers for £595 plus VAT. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up and to pre-order Propel 500 – 2026. 

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global hires Nick Allen as new CFO, plans US franchise growth: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global has hired Nick Allen, formerly of Holland & Barrett and Starbucks, as its new chief financial officer, which it said strengthened its executive leadership team as it enters its next phase of global growth. Allen joins Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global with more than 20 years’ experience across international omni-channel retail and hospitality-led businesses, most recently as group chief financial officer at Holland & Barrett and as chief financial officer at Starbucks EMEA. He was also previously chief financial officer of Vision Express. The company said that Allen’s appointment comes after a year of strong financial and operational performance at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. In its full-year accounts for 2024, the group delivered record UK revenue of £134m and adjusted Ebitda of £12m, underpinned by new restaurant openings, continued international expansion and the consolidation of its UK and US businesses to create a “truly global group headquartered in London”. Looking ahead to 2026, the Lion Capital-backed business said it will continue to expand its portfolio of brands across the UK and internationally, with a particular focus on franchising its quick-service concepts in the US, including Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Street Pizza. Andy Wenlock, chief executive of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team and in particular the business entering a new phase of growth in the UK and internationally, driving forward our strategy to expand our footprint among multiple markets, across all our diverse brands.” Allen said: “I’m excited to join such a prestigious global brand with an incredible world class offering and to work closely with Andy and the senior leadership team in building out the group’s vision.”

McManus Pub Company reports return to profit in 18-month trading period: Northamptonshire-based pub operator McManus Pub Company, led by Gary McManus, has reported a pre-tax profit of £301,095 in the 18 months to 26 January 2025 (Loss of £217,582 in the 12 months to 29 July 2023). Turnover was £22,720,908 in the 18 months compared to £15,681,974 in the 12 months prior. Four pubs were sold in the current year, reducing group debt by £2,515,000. The company reported an operating profit of £1.1m (2023: £100,000 loss). Payroll as percentage of turnover was 33.7% (31%). Operating profit as a percentage of turnover was 5% (2023: minus 0.7%). Dividends of £456,000 were paid (2023: £608,000). 

The Ampersand Hotel reports resilient trading, reports benefit of London as a global city: The Ampersand Hotel, the upmarket hotel in Kensington, has reported robust trading with turnover in the year to 31 December 2024 up to £11,425,951, a little higher than the £11,335,556 reported a year before. Operating profit was £2,740,963 compared to £2,705,546 the year before. Loss before tax was £258,914 compared to a loss of £101,843 the year before. The company stated: “Central London continues to be busy with international business and leisure travellers despite the prevailing political and economic uncertainty. London’s appeal and position as a truly global city remains undiminished.” Ebitda was £3,609,378, up from £3,508,189 the year before. Parent company is Alfa Holdings, which is registered in Guernsey. 

McDonald’s franchise operator Blundell’s of Liverpool scrapes small profit: Blundell’s of Liverpool, which operates 22 McDonald’s franchisees across Merseyside and is owned by Mark Blundell, has reported turnover rose marginally, by 0.26%, to £92,640,000 in the year to 31 March 2025 from £92,880,000 the year before. Profit before tax collapsed to £126,908 from £1,886,250 the year before. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased by 1.5% from 38.4% to 37.25%. Its balance sheet shows net assets of £7,065,041 indicating the “solid position of the company from a solvency and liquidity perspective”. It added: “Despite the inflationary pressures, impacting food costs, the financial performance of the company was good.” Mark Blundell was head of Human Relations at McDonald’s before buying his own franchises, starting in 2012. 

Bingo and gaming company Shipley Brothers reports turnover and profit rise: Shipley Brothers, which operates Shipley’s Gaming and BJ’s Bingo, has reported turnover rose 3.2% to £19,823,073 in the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: £19,209,914). Pre-tax profit increased to £875,812 from £760,603 the year before. A dividend of £650,000 was paid in the year (2024: nil). The company stated: “The year saw a significant investment in one of the company’s bingo businesses and the immediate focus is on turning that investment into admissions and profit growth. The company continues its commitment to enhance its business premises to offer comfortable entertainment venues with the latest gaming technology.” BJ’s Bingo is named in honour of the Shipley’s family’s father, Big Jim, who started the business in the 1950s. The three main clubs are in: Kitts Green, Birmingham, Leigh and Reading. 

Moddershall Oaks hotel and spa reports turnover and profit boost: Moddershall Oaks Hotel and Spa, which occupies 72 acres in Moddershall, near Stone, Staffordshire as is the trading name of School House Leisure, has reported turnover rose to £8,672,411 in the 18 months to 31 March 2025 (2024: £5,794,552). Profit before tax jumped to £2,215,438 from £957,642 the year before. The business began trading in December 2000. It stated: “A major development during the year was the start of work on the Woodlands Pod project, which completed and opened in May 2025, adding 13 bedrooms to the site. In addition, the venue underwent a high standard refurbishment, further enhancing its offer. The company has successfully positioned itself as a premier destination for relaxation, wellness and leisure.” Net profit margin rose to 16% from 12.7 per cent the year before. A dividend of £291,800 was paid (2023: £212,350). 

Manorview Hotels reports turnover and operating profit boost: Manorview Hotels, the operator of 12 boutique hotels, restaurants and bars across central Scotland, has reported turnover rose to £25,523,206 in the year to 31 March 2025, up from £24,220,031 the year before. Its operating profit jumped to £3,048,263 from £1,524,764 the year before. Loss before tax was £501,229 after interest payments and the write-off of an irrecoverable inter-company loan of £1,933,777 – the previous year saw a loss of £259,579. The company’s ‘Heartcount Profit Share’ initiative saw it share £124,891 with its team. It also served 1,500 underprivileged children at a Christmas party with free food and entertainment, transport and gifts. Referring to a doubling of operating profit, the company stated: “This increased operating profit is a testament to the hard work of the whole Manorview team and is reflective of strong gross margins and a very clear focus on overhead control while maintaining excellent customer service and experience.” Its Boclair House venue won Wedding Venue of the Year at the Your Scottish Wedding Awards. Planning consent has been granted for the company to redevelop Bothwell Bridge Hotel – work on a scheme to build a new spa, brasserie and two function suites, creating 200 jobs, starts in 2026.