Thu 8th Jan 2026 - Exclusive: Unique Propel 500 annual report for 2026 shows top 500 operators turning over £69bn Exclusive – Unique Propel 500 annual report for 2026 shows top 500 operators turning over £69bn: The hospitality sector’s top 500 companies have turnover of more than £69bn, across 68,000 sites, the new Propel Top 500 report, published tomorrow (Friday, 9 January) at 9am, shows (see bottom for how to obtain a copy). All of the companies listed in the Top 500 achieved turnover above £10m. Those with more margin strong business models such as Whitbread, increasingly turning its focus to its rooms business, continued to report strong profits at £483m. Tight cost control is visible at other businesses such as Greene King, while operational and competition issues at Costa Coffee UK saw it post a loss. Turnover ranged from £3.7bn at SSP to £10.1m at Cornwall hotel St Michael’s in Falmouth, a property new to the Top 500, but eager to prove itself at the forefront of sustainable travel in the region, with recent investment in energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly room refurbishments. Expansion was driven by the ongoing success of parts of the experiential leisure sector, quick-service restaurant brand, and increasing enthusiasm for the franchise model as operators sought cost effective methods to achieve scale in a competitive environment. There were more than ten new entrants to the Propel Top 500, including Costa Coffee franchisee Cuppacoff and Catering UK, owner of the Thai Square restaurant business. There were several hotel groups fresh to the study, including The Ampersand in London, reflecting the ongoing resilience of the hotel sector in the capital, where luxury properties have been able to offset costs with rate rises. There was movement in the standings of the top 25 companies, where SSP maintained its position as the sector leader. JD Wetherspoon moved up from sixth to fifth place, as it started to explore the franchise model. The company swapped places with Merlin Entertainment, which reported falling revenue as consumers saw discretionary spend come under pressure. Both Millennium & Copthorne and Bourne Leisure moved up the rankings by one place, citing investment in customer experience as key to their success. Katherine Doggrell, the report’s editor, said: “The hospitality sector has faced a challenging year, with costs increasing at a time when the customer wallet continues to be stretched. Value and experience are driving consumer choices and the leading companies in this year’s Propel Top 500 are those who have succeeded in offering both. As we move into 2026, the sector is rapidly coming to the conclusion that technology is the answer to both efficiencies and better customer experience and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of its deployment in next year’s report.” The Propel 500 – 2026 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites, and key staff. The guide will also include exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics. Mark Wingett will delve into the mergers and acquisitions shaping the future of the top 500. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market and, as the experiential leisure sector becomes a cornerstone of modern hospitality, Katherine Doggrell will assess the rise of deals in the sector, as well as the shifts in the hotel industry. 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 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.