Reeves blocks support for pubs despite Starmer acknowledging sector’s struggles: Rachel Reeves is blocking new financial support for pubs despite Sir Keir Starmer admitting that many “will struggle” with new business rate changes. In her November budget, the chancellor announced that covid-era business rates relief will end in April, having previously been scaled back from 75% to 40% At the same time, some village pubs face paying business rates for the first time under a revaluation of their rateable values announced after the Budget. A growing backlash has resulted in Labour MPs being barred from dozens of pubs and restaurants across Britain, with Reeves banned from her local in Pudsey, West Yorkshire. Speaking yesterday, Sir Keir appeared to open the door to extra support, telling LBC: “We’re talking to the sector, particularly hospitality and pubs, about what further support we can put in, whether that’s licensing freedoms or other measures.” But The Telegraph understands the Treasury is insisting it will not change the tax policy itself. Tom Kerridge, the TV chef, said on Monday that Peter Kyle, the business secretary, was being “incredibly supportive” on the issue but had to convince the Treasury. He told LBC he had asked Kyle for support at a recent event and was told the Treasury needed to be convinced to sign off the money. However, Treasury insiders hours later played down the prospect of a change in the tax rate itself, insisting new licensing freedoms would not impact the tax bill being faced by pub owners. The Treasury is confident that so-called “transition” measures, such as capping bill increases next year at 15%, are sufficient to help pubs ride out the reforms. But industry figures are rejecting that position and the idea that changes to licences alone will be enough to protect pubs from the major business rate bill increases over the coming years.

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. 

Individual Restaurants like-for-like sales up 2.4%: Individual Restaurants, the Restaurant Bar & Grill and Forbici operator, saw its like-for-like sales climb 2.4% in the year to 30 March 2025, as turnover passed £75m. The company posted turnover of £75,934,000 for the period (2024: £74,117,000), and said it served over 1.9 million guests, making an Ebitda contribution of £1,730,000 (2024: Ebitda loss of £10,158,000). The group posted a pre-tax loss of £10,561,000 (2024: loss of £10,581,000). The company said: “Despite continued consumer uncertainty, trading was in line with expectations in the first quarter. However, in face of declining consumer confidence, the second quarter proved more of a challenge. Our focus on Christmas delivered very strong sales over the festive period, whilst the fourth quarter was more subdued. Despite heavy discounting in the market, we managed to improve gross margin in the year through a combination of better buying and necessary price increases. Labour deployment efficiency continues to be a huge focus for the business, even more so following the significant increases in national minimum wage and National Insurance announced by the chancellor in the autumn budget. Overall Individual Restaurants continue to form in line with expectations through the continued delivery of the strategic plan.” Propel revealed yesterday that the company had made a number of changes to its leadership team, including a new managing director for its core Piccolino brand. Francesco Fiore, who has been group operations director for the business since April 2021, becomes managing director of the 22-strong Piccolino estate, while Michele Vollaro and Pawel Bachanek are both promoted to director of operations for the brand (south and north respectfully).

John O’Reilly to retire as CEO of The Rank Group: The Rank Group has announced that John O’Reilly has, following discussions with the board, informed it of his intention to retire as chief executive, effective from 29 January 2026. He will continue to support the business until the end of the current 2025/26 financial year. The group’s current chief financial officer Richard Harris, will be appointed interim chief executive with effect from 30 January 2026. Harris has been an executive director of the board since joining Rank as chief financial officer in May 2022 and the company said his appointment will ensure an orderly transition of responsibilities. A formal search process to identify a permanent chief executive has begun. John H. Ott, chair of Rank Group, said: “On behalf of the board and everyone at Rank, I would like to express my sincere thanks to John O’Reilly for his leadership of, and passion for Rank since his appointment as chief executive in April 2018. His extensive gambling industry knowledge and experience, as well as deep operational skills have combined to ensure that Rank is well positioned to build on the direction he established. In addition, John has contributed significantly to the betting and gaming industry for decades. We wish him all the very best. As interim chief executive, the board are confident Richard Harris will provide both important continuity and the strategic leadership required to drive the performance of the business and maximise shareholder returns. The board and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him to realise those ambitions.” O’Reilly said: “It has been a privilege to lead Rank for the past seven and a half years, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished in that time. I am pleased that Richard will now take Rank to the next stage of what I am sure is a bright future and wish the group every success.”

Popeyes launches new savers range: Popeyes UK, the TDR Capital-backed business, is launching a new menu range with prices starting from just £1.99, designed to help “post-Christmas budgets stretch a little further”. The US brand, which opened its 100th site in the UK in November, said the menu includes the all-new The Chicken Cruncher sandwich – priced at £2.49, or £4.99 as a meal – and another 27 items, “saving customers cash this January”. The new range also includes the launch of the brand new ranch wrap, which joins Popeyes menus nationwide. The wrap features two Shatter-Crunchin’ Tenders, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and a generous drizzle of creamy, fan-favourite Ranch sauce, all wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla. Popeyes is also launching a limited edition wrap offer throughout January, serving up all wraps for just £2.49. David Hoskins, head of food at Popeyes UK, said: “At Popeyes, we believe delicious and high-quality fried chicken should always be accessible and stay within reach to all. That’s why we’re extending our range to include a whole host of new value offers that deliver on both unbeatable price and unbeatable taste! With our January Wrap Offer and refreshed Shatter Crunch Savers menu, fans can get the full Popeyes experience, from a quick lunch fix to an all-out feast, without their wallet feeling the pinch.”

Tourists balk at fees: Nearly 60% of people would change their travel plans to avoid paying an additional tourist tax in UK cities, according to RSM UK’s latest consumer outlook. The Times reports that the survey of 2,000 people found 29% would consider a location that did not have a tourism tax instead, while 28% would limit the duration of their stay to avoid extra costs. However, 42% said it would not affect their travel plans. Visitors to English cities may have to pay a tourist tax under plans that would allow mayors to charge a “modest” levy on overnight stays. A consultation on the proposal is running until February.