News - Posts - Ceres Shop

Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure Brace for Business Rate Increases

Posted by Emma on 25th Jan 2025

Since April, property bills for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses in England have been set to more than double due to changes in business rate relief, according to an analysis by property … read more

How Will the Glass Tax Impact Wine and Soft Drinks?

Posted by Emma on 25th Jan 2025

The UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, set to come into force this year, aims to shift the financial responsibility for packaging waste management from local councils to producers. … read more

Sainsbury’s to Close Cafés, Streamline Operations, and Cut Costs

Posted by Emma on 23rd Jan 2025

Sainsbury’s has announced the closure of its remaining 61 in-store cafés, a move set to affect over 3,000 employees. The decision, described by the supermarket chain as “difficult,” is part of a bro … read more

Caffè Nero Brews Up Record-Breaking Christmas Sales

Posted by Emma on 21st Jan 2025

Caffè Nero has announced record-breaking results for its Christmas trading period in the UK, marking a significant milestone in its history. Over the five weeks between 25 November and 30 December 2 … read more

Hospitality Industry Braces for £1 Billion National Insurance Hike

Posted by Emma on 21st Jan 2025

The UK hospitality sector is preparing to shoulder a £1 billion cost as changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) come into effect this April. Approximately 774,000 workers in the industry … read more

Chick-fil-A Returns to the UK with Northern Ireland Openings

Posted by Emma on 17th Jan 2025

Chick-fil-A, the renowned US-based fast food chain, is returning to the UK market with two new restaurant openings in Northern Ireland. In partnership with Applegreen, a motorway service area operat … read more

Casual Dining in 2025: Recovery, Growth, and New Opportunities

Posted by Emma on 17th Jan 2025

The casual dining sector in the UK is entering a recovery phase in 2025, marked by renewed growth opportunities and strategic expansion, according to Christie & Co’s latest Business Outlook re … read more

From California to Cardiff: Carl’s Jr Set to Open Its First UK Restaurant

Posted by Emma on 14th Jan 2025

The American fast-food giant Carl’s Jr is gearing up to open its first UK restaurant this April in Cardiff. Known for its chargrilled burgers, breaded chicken tenders, and creamy ice cream shakes, t … read more

Greggs Under Pressure: Sausage Roll Price Hike Sparks Consumer Outrage

Posted by Emma on 13th Jan 2025

Greggs, the UK’s largest bakery chain, is facing scrutiny after raising the price of its iconic sausage roll to £1.30—a 5p increase—amid growing pressures from rising wages, taxes, and food costs. T … read more

Edinburgh’s Proposed 5% Tourist Tax: A Boon or Burden for Hospitality Businesses?

Posted by Emma on 8th Jan 2025

Edinburgh City Council is preparing to implement a 5% tourist tax on accommodation costs, a move set to take effect in July 2026 if approved. The levy, aimed at generating up to £50 million annually … read more

Bounce Back Loan Fraud Lands London Restaurateur in Jail

Posted by Emma on 8th Jan 2025

A London-based restaurant owner has been ordered to repay £37,426 within three months after fraudulently obtaining a Covid Bounce Back Loan. The court ruled that failure to comply would result in an … read more

McDonald’s CEO Reveals 29 Employees Fired Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Posted by Emma on 7th Jan 2025

McDonald’s UK has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct across its outlets. Alistair Macrow, the company’s UK chief executive, disclos … read more

British Farmers Grapple with Worst Harvests in Decades

Posted by Stelios on 5th Jan 2025

Newly released data reveals that British farmers have endured one of the most challenging harvests since records began, raising serious concerns about the nation’s food security. The Department for … read more

Chick-fil-A’s Second Bite at the UK Market

Posted by Emma on 5th Jan 2025

Chick-fil-A, the American fast-food giant known for its chicken sandwiches, is attempting a comeback in the UK five years after its initial venture faced backlash over its historical ties to anti-LG … read more

Wingstop UK Sold to Sixth Street in Landmark £400M Deal

Posted by Emma on 5th Jan 2025

The UK arm of Wingstop, the popular fast-casual chicken wing chain, has been acquired by US investment firm Sixth Street in a deal valued at over £400 million. The sale marks a significant milestone … read more

Pizza Hut UK: A New Chapter on the Horizon?

Posted by Emma on 5th Jan 2025

The future of Pizza Hut’s dine-in restaurant business in the UK could soon take a new direction, with reports indicating that its largest franchise operator, Heart With Smart (HWS), is in advanced t … read more

From Red to Black: Wingstop UK's Remarkable Turnaround Amid Sale Speculations

Posted by Emma on 21st Dec 2024

In a striking turnaround, Wingstop UK has reported a robust pre-tax profit of £3.5 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, a significant recovery from a £2 million loss the previous yea … read more

KFC's Saucy Adventure: A New Spin on Fast Food

Posted by Emma on 21st Dec 2024

In a bold departure from its iconic red and white branding, KFC is set to unveil a new restaurant concept, Saucy, in Orlando, Florida, next Monday. This venture marks a significant shift for the fas … read more

The Future of Fast Food: Itsu's Tech-Driven Strategy Amid Wage Increases

Posted by Emily on 18th Dec 2024

In the bustling heart of London's Oxford Street, where the cost of doing business is sky-high, the founder of Itsu, Julian Metcalfe, is not one to shy away from challenges. The entrepreneur, who rev … read more

Unions Push for Day-One Sick Pay Reform: Can Businesses Keep Up?

Posted by Emma on 6th Dec 2024

The government faces increasing pressure from trade unions to enhance Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), raising questions about the economic implications of such reforms. At the heart of the debate is whet … read more

Cod in Crisis: How Illegal Fishing and Quotas Threaten the Barents Sea

Posted by Stelios on 5th Dec 2024

The Barents Sea, a critical hub for global whitefish supply, faces a perfect storm of declining fish stocks, economic reliance on Russian imports, and concerns over illegal fishing. As quotas are s … read more

Business Rates Relief Announced for Hospitality in Scotland

Posted by Emma on 5th Dec 2024

UKHospitality has cautiously welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a 40% business rates relief for hospitality venues with a rateable value of up to £51,000. The relief, set to take ef … read more

National Insurance Increase Faces Backlash Amid Hospitality Fears

Posted by Emily on 5th Dec 2024

Plans to raise employers’ National Insurance contributions in 2025 have sparked heated debate in parliament, with cross-party MPs warning of dire consequences for the UK’s hospitality sector. The p … read more

Doner Shack Relocates Headquarters to the US, Citing UK Tax Challenges

Posted by Emily on 2nd Dec 2024

The well-known kebab restaurant brand Doner Shack has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to the United States, a decision driven by what it describes as a challenging business environment … read more

The Soil Association's League Table Exposes UK's Best and Worst Children's Menus

Posted by Emma on 2nd Dec 2024

A new report from the Soil Association has raised concerns about the quality of children's meals served at some UK restaurant chains. The agricultural charity claims that many of these meals are pr … read more

£338m Loungers Deal Sparks Shareholder Debate

Posted by Emma on 2nd Dec 2024

A proposed £338 million takeover of Loungers, the café-bar group behind Cosy Club, Lounge, and Brightside, has met resistance from several of its largest shareholders. Fortress Investment Group, th … read more

December Special Offer: Clean & Sparkle with Ceres!

Posted by Emma on 2nd Dec 2024

The festive season is here, and as we wrap up another incredible year, Ceres is thrilled to bring you a special December offer designed to make your post-Christmas cleanup a breeze. This month, whe … read more

Takeaway Sales Show Resilient Growth Amid Economic Challenges

Posted by Emily on 28th Nov 2024

New research indicates that Britain’s restaurant industry continues to enjoy robust delivery and takeaway sales growth, with a like-for-like increase of 4.8% in October. This marks a slight dip fro … read more

UK’s Top Fish and Chip Shops Compete for Takeaway of the Year

Posted by Emily on 28th Nov 2024

The National Fish & Chip Awards unveiled the ten finalists vying for the prestigious takeaway of the Year title, showcasing the best fish and chip shops across the UK. This announcement marks t … read more

Loungers Acquired by US Firm Fortress in £338 Million Deal

Posted by Emma on 28th Nov 2024

Loungers, the operator behind popular UK dining brands Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside, has agreed to a £338 million acquisition by US-based investment firm Fortress. The deal values Loungers' sh … read more

London’s Historic Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets to Close

Posted by Emma on 27th Nov 2024

After centuries as pillars of London’s food supply, the Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market are set to close following a decision by the City of London Corporation to withdraw its o … read more

Illegal Hiring Scandal: Former Chatteris Restaurant Owner Banned for Seven Years

Posted by Emily on 27th Nov 2024

A former Cambridgeshire restaurant owner has been banned from holding a company director role for seven years after employing illegal workers, marking a significant enforcement of UK immigration la … read more

Pub Giant Mitchells & Butlers Sees Record Profits Despite Looming Labour Challenges

Posted by Emily on 27th Nov 2024

Mitchells & Butlers, the pub and restaurant group behind well-known brands such as All Bar One, Harvester, O’Neills, and Miller & Carter Steakhouse, has reported robust financial results fo … read more

The Hospitality Sector’s Breaking Point: Why Insolvencies Are Rising

Posted by Emily on 26th Nov 2024

The UK’s restaurant industry is teetering on the edge of a financial precipice, with more than one in ten establishments facing imminent closure within the next 12 months. A new analysis from accou … read more

Calorie Counts on Menus: A Law That Missed the Mark?

Posted by Emily on 26th Nov 2024

Mandatory calorie labelling, introduced in April 2022 for businesses with more than 250 employees, aimed to encourage healthier eating choices. However, a recent study published in Nature Human Beh … read more

Burnt Chef Project Launches Global Whistleblowing Service for Hospitality Sector

Posted by Emily on 22nd Nov 2024

The Burnt Chef Project, a social enterprise dedicated to improving mental health in hospitality, has launched a global whistleblowing service aimed at addressing workplace concerns in the indu … read more

The UK’s Top Fish & Chip Restaurants Battle for Glory

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2024

The National Fish & Chip Awards has announced the finalists for its prestigious Restaurant of the Year category. Five fish and chip establishments from across the UK have secured their place in … read more

National Insurance Hikes: The Cost to Jobs and Businesses

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2024

The UK’s recent Autumn Budget has sparked concern across various sectors, with the announcement of increased employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) set to come into effect from April 2025 … read more

National Insurance Hikes Spark Uncertainty for Pizza Hut Franchise

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2024

The UK's largest Pizza Hut franchisee, Heart With Smart (HWS), is exploring options to address escalating financial pressures triggered by last month's Budget announcements. With a network of aroun … read more

Just Eat Sells Grubhub at a Fraction of Its Purchase Price

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2024

Just Eat Takeaway.com, the Dutch food delivery giant, has announced the sale of its US-based subsidiary Grubhub for an enterprise value of $650 million (£510 million). The figure represents a sharp … read more

Britain’s Best Chips: The 2025 Field to Frier Finalists Revealed

Posted by Emma on 22nd Nov 2024

Ten fish and chip businesses across the UK have been named as finalists in the Field to Frier category of the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards. The category honours those who demonstrate except … read more

Meet the Finalists for Newcomer of the Year 2025

Posted by Emily on 21st Nov 2024

Three fish and chip shops, each less than two years old, have earned their place as finalists in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 for the coveted Newcomer of the Year award. Representing th … read more

KFC Champions Youth Voices with New Advisory Board

Posted by Emily on 21st Nov 2024

KFC has taken a significant step in its commitment to youth employment by launching a Youth Advisory Board in partnership with Youth Beyond Borders, a youth-focused organisation. This initiative ai … read more

Hospitality Industry Stagnates Amid Mounting Challenges

Posted by Emily on 20th Nov 2024

The UK's hospitality sector continues to face challenging conditions, with recent data revealing stagnant sales and warnings of potential financial turbulence ahead. Despite signs of resilience, bu … read more

Hospitality Jobs Under Pressure as Employment Costs Rise by £2,500 per Worker

Posted by Emma on 3rd Nov 2024

In a recent analysis, UKHospitality has raised concerns over significant increases in the cost of employing full-time staff within the hospitality sector. According to their findings, businesses wi … read more

Budget 2025: What It Means for Hospitality

Posted by Emma on 30th Oct 2024

The recent Autumn Statement, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, outlines Labour’s first Budget in 14 years and introduces sweeping changes for the hospitality sector. Among the key proposals ar … read more

U.K. Budget 2024: What Lies Ahead?

Posted by Emma on 30th Oct 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced Labour's first Budget in 2010, marking a shift in economic strategy focusing on tax reform, social spending, and support for business sectors. Here's an in-depth … read more

Meet the 8 Young Finalists Set to Transform the UK Fish Frying Scene

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2024

The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition, a highlight of the National Fish & Chip Awards, has announced its final eight semi-finalists, showcasing the UK’s most promising young tale … read more

Honest Burgers Sets Ambitious Growth Target as Sales Climb

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2024

Honest Burgers, the UK-based burger chain with 39 locations nationwide, has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand its business, aiming to quadruple its footprint by 2030. This goal f … read more

Minimum Wage Set for a Rise in 2025

Posted by Stelios on 29th Oct 2024

In a prelude to this year’s Budget, the Chancellor has announced that the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise to £12.21 an hour starting April 2025. The government’s decisio … read more

Pizza Pilgrims Prepares for Next Chapter, Considers Reviving Slice Concept

Posted by Emma on 28th Oct 2024

Pizza Pilgrims, the UK-based pizzeria chain inspired by Neapolitan cuisine, has enlisted advisory support as it evaluates growth strategies, including a potential revival of its New York-style pizz … read more

High Demand Drives Flat Iron to Explore New Investment or Sale Opportunities

Posted by Emma on 28th Oct 2024

Flat Iron, the popular steakhouse chain, is considering strategic options for its future following an impressive year of record sales. In a move that has caught the attention of industry insiders, … read more

Haché Eyes Strategic Sale as Consumer Confidence Wanes in the Dining Sector

Posted by Emma on 28th Oct 2024

Premium burger brand Haché, known for its blend of high-quality burgers with a Parisian-inspired brasserie touch, has appointed Interpath Advisory to assess potential sale options amid an accelerat … read more

Greene King Expands Prison Kitchen Training to Empower Future Workforce

Posted by Emma on 28th Oct 2024

Greene King, a leading UK pub company and brewer, has expanded its efforts to support prison leavers by opening two new kitchen training facilities at HMP Onley and HMP Perth. These kitchens, desig … read more

Strategic Growth Drives Punch Pubs’ 44% Profit Surge

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024

Punch Pubs has reported a significant boost in profits, with a 44% increase in operating profit for the financial year ending 11 August 2024. The UK-based pub operator attributed much of this succe … read more

12p a Pint: The Struggle for Survival Facing UK Pubs

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024

As the UK’s hospitality industry braces for potential upheaval, many pubs may face closure without renewed support from the government in the form of business rates relief. Stonegate Group, the cou … read more

National Fish & Chip Awards 2025: Ten UK Restaurants in the Running for Top Honour

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024

The National Fish & Chip Awards has revealed its selection of ten outstanding fish and chip restaurants across the United Kingdom, shortlisted for the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title. … read more

Smoking Ban in Pub Gardens Under Review as Hospitality Industry Pushes Back

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024

The UK government is reconsidering plans to ban smoking in pub and restaurant gardens following significant opposition from the hospitality industry. Ministers and public health officials had initi … read more

McDonald’s Faces E. Coli Outbreak in the US, Onions Likely Source

Posted by Emma on 25th Oct 2024

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants in the United States has led the fast-food giant to temporarily remove quarter pounders and fresh, slivered onions from menus in several states. … read more

House of Lords Proposes Bold Measures to Tackle UK Obesity Epidemic

Posted by Emma on 24th Oct 2024

In response to the growing obesity crisis in the UK, a cross-party House of Lords committee has proposed stricter regulations targeting food and drink companies. The recommendations focus on enforc … read more

Can a Simplified Menu Revive Starbucks’ Sales? CEO Thinks So

Posted by Emma on 23rd Oct 2024

Starbucks’ newly appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, has announced plans to streamline the coffee chain’s menu and pricing structure as part of a broader strategy to address falling sales and recapture cu … read more

Widespread Product Recalls Spark Concerns Over Peanut Contamination

Posted by Emma on 22nd Oct 2024

A significant number of spice products, including dips, seasonings, and curry powders, have been recalled following concerns about potential peanut contamination. Over 70 products have been withdra … read more

McDonald's Profits Fall Despite Sales Growth: Inflation Takes a Bite

Posted by Emma on 22nd Oct 2024

According to the company's latest financial results, McDonald's has reported a sharp decline in operating profit for its UK restaurants, with profits falling from £165 million in 2022 to just £11 m … read more

Turnover Up, Profits Down: The Mixed Financial Picture of the UK’s Top Restaurant Groups

Posted by Emma on 22nd Oct 2024

Profits at the UK’s largest 100 restaurant groups have fallen slightly over the past year despite a notable rise in turnover. New research from UHY Hacker Young reveals a 1% drop in overall profits … read more

170 Hospitality CEOs Demand Permanent Business Rates Relief

Posted by Emma on 21st Oct 2024

As the Autumn Budget approaches, over 170 leaders from the UK’s hospitality industry are urging the government to implement lasting reforms to business rates, warning that the sector could face a f … read more

Food Delivery Giants Face Off as Customer Loyalty Wavers

Posted by Emma on 19th Oct 2024

The food delivery market faces significant shifts as competition rises and consumer behaviour evolves. Deliveroo and Just Eat, two of the UK’s leading takeaway platforms, have released their third- … read more

What Costa, Starbucks, and Peabody's Reveal About the Future of Coffee

Posted by Emma on 19th Oct 2024

This week's headlines offer a telling glimpse into the state of the coffee industry, with three major players—Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Peabody's Coffee—facing unique challenges and opportunitie … read more

Hospitality Industry Faces Potential £914 Million Business Rates Hike in April

Posted by Emma on 16th Oct 2024

The hospitality sector in the UK is facing a significant increase in business rates, with a potential bill of £914 million by April if current policies remain unchanged. UKHospitality, a leading in … read more

Whitbread Streamlines Restaurant Portfolio in £56m Sale

Posted by Emma on 16th Oct 2024

Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, has sold 51 of its branded restaurants and bars for £56 million. The decision forms part of a broader strategy to shift focus from its restaurant operations and … read more

Experts Suggest Adding VAT to Cake to Plug Budget Gap

Posted by Emily on 15th Oct 2024

As the UK government grapples with a looming £22 billion deficit ahead of the next Budget, speculation about where the Chancellor will find new revenue streams is rife. While potential tax hik … read more

The 40 Best Fish and Chip Shops in the Running for Takeaway of the Year Announced

Posted by Emma on 15th Oct 2024

Forty of the United Kingdom’s finest fish and chip shops have been shortlisted for the coveted Takeaway of the Year award as part of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. Organised by the Natio … read more

Will Labour's Tax Proposals Stifle Business Growth?

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2024

Labour's recent hint at increasing employer National Insurance (NI) contributions has sparked significant concern from business leaders, with many warning of its potential impact on jobs and invest … read more

UK Wheat Harvest Suffers Major Blow Amid Wettest Season on Record

Posted by Emma on 13th Oct 2024

The UK has experienced its second-worst wheat harvest, driven by relentless wet weather over the past year. According to new data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) … read more

TGI Fridays to Pay Workers Following Redundancy Dispute

Posted by Emma on 11th Oct 2024

TGI Fridays has agreed to pay employees outstanding wages and benefits after initially refusing to do so. This decision comes after over 1,000 staff members lost their jobs when 35 TGI Fridays rest … read more

Tim Martin Opposes New Drink Size Regulations for Pubs

Posted by Emma on 11th Oct 2024

JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin has openly criticised recent proposals to introduce two-thirds pint measures in British pubs, labelling the idea as “slightly daft.” The suggestion, put forward b … read more

Burnt Chef Project Doubles Mental Health Training in Hospitality Sector

Posted by Emma on 10th Oct 2024

The Burnt Chef Project, a leading mental health charity dedicated to the hospitality sector, has announced significant growth in its outreach efforts, as more than 24,000 e-learning modules were co … read more

Loungers Nears 300 Locations as It Outperforms UK Hospitality Market

Posted by Emma on 10th Oct 2024

Loungers, the all-day café and restaurant group, has reported continued growth, outperforming the wider UK hospitality market. In a trading update for the 24 weeks ending 6 October 2024, the compan … read more

Employment Reforms Raise Concerns in Business Sector Amid Major Worker Rights Overhaul

Posted by Emily on 10th Oct 2024

In a significant move aimed at transforming the UK’s labour market, the government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill, touted as the most sweeping overhaul of employment law in a generation. … read more

McDonald's Takes Legal Action Against Big Four Meat Packers Over Alleged Price Fixing

Posted by Emma on 9th Oct 2024

McDonald's has filed a lawsuit against four of the largest meat processors in the United States, accusing them of conspiring to manipulate beef prices. The lawsuit targets Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill … read more

Popeyes UK Expands Footprint as Revenues Climb to £58 Million

Posted by Emma on 8th Oct 2024

Popeyes UK has reported significant revenue growth for the year ending 31 December 2023, positioning the business for continued expansion. Revenues reached £58.1 million, a sharp increase from £15 … read more

Food Hygiene Ratings Scandal: Businesses Exposed for Misleading Customers

Posted by Emma on 8th Oct 2024

An undercover BBC investigation has revealed that food establishments across east London, including a Sainsbury's store, have been displaying inaccurate food hygiene ratings, misleading customers a … read more

UK TGI Fridays Saved by New Investors, Over 1,000 Jobs Lost

Posted by Emma on 8th Oct 2024

In a significant move for the UK’s hospitality sector, over 2,000 jobs have been saved following the sale of 51 TGI Fridays restaurants to Breal Capital and Calveton, the investors behind D&D L … read more

Wendy’s Achieves Nearly 50% Turnover Growth as UK Expansion Continues

Posted by Emma on 8th Oct 2024

Wendy’s, the American fast-food brand known for its square burgers, experienced significant growth in the UK market in 2023. The company reported a remarkable increase in turnover, rising by nearly … read more

Burger & Lobster Sets Sights on New UK Openings After Successful Year

Posted by Emma on 4th Oct 2024

Burger & Lobster is actively exploring opportunities to expand its presence across the UK in London and beyond. The restaurant group, known for its distinctive menu and global footprint, hopes … read more

12 Finalists Announced for the 2025 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Competition

Posted by Emma on 1st Oct 2024

Twelve young professionals from across the UK have been shortlisted for the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award, part of the highly regarded National Fish & Chip Awards 2025. … read more