Jonathan Bye

Well-known soft drinks firm Bon Accord has been acquired by a Dundee brewery in a move it says creates a “major new force in Scotland’s craft drinks sector”. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eNq7ywcf

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Burger brand Honest Burgers Ltd is set to acquire 12 restaurants from rival Gourmet Burger King, which is owned by Boparan Restaurant Group The acquisitions will take the 39-strong Honest Burgers estate past the 50-site mark and will roughly halve GBK’s size, leaving it with around a dozen restaurants. https://lnkd.in/euwuN55w

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DMCC has announced the expansion of its DMCC Coffee Centre with a new premium Mezzanine floor, featuring 16 private offices, flexible hot desks, an exclusive members-only espresso bar for product demos and guest hosting - and more. The expansion coincides with the launch of DMCC's latest special edition Future of Trade report on coffee, exploring how an industry valued at over USD 200 billion - and with global trade exceeding USD 26 billion - is being reshaped by new trade corridors, digitalisation, climate volatility, and greater value retention at origin. As Dubai consolidates its position as one of the world's top coffee hubs within this fast-moving landscape, the Coffee Centre's newly fitted-out Mezzanine will drive the global industry's growth through warehousing, logistics, roasting services and member-to-member trade, supporting brands in their efforts to innovate and scale from Dubai. Read more: https://dmcc.tech/46qlxJD

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This month's edition of Whisky Business is out now. The column takes a look at rise in the number of high-end distillery tours across Scotland and how these tours are helping during a rough patch for the industry. Featuring the likes of Diageo's Port Ellen, Old Pulteney Distillery, THE SCAPA DISTILLERY LIMITED Chivas Brothers and The Distillers One of One® Auction https://lnkd.in/eaHg5ZNv

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Chestnut Group acquires North Norfolk pub, promotes Charley O'Toole to chief of staff. East Anglian pub company Chestnut Group has acquired a new pub in North Norfolk – Titchwell Manor in the village of Titchwell. Titchwell Manor will join Chestnut’s growing collection of Big House hotels and will continue trading as normal with its existing team and menus. It is a 23rd site across the east of England for the company, which last month added The Angel Inn in Stoke by Nayland and The Anchor Inn in Nayland to its estate. It comes as Chestnut promotes Charley O’Toole to chief of staff – a new role created to support the company’s management teams and drive a people-focused culture. O’Toole has been with Chestnut for four years and was previously its people director and head of people. Previous roles include head of people at both Bill’s and Coco di Mama, plus recruitment roles at Itsu and Mitchells & Butlers. Philip Turner, Chestnut’s founder and chief executive, said: “Charley has already been instrumental in shaping our people strategy, and this new role will see her extend her leadership to ensure our growth plans are successfully delivered. At a time when our sector faces significant challenges, we are doubling down on our commitment to our people. They are the foundation of Chestnut, and Charley’s new role will ensure our teams are fully supported as we continue to expand.” O’Toole added: “I am excited to take on this role at an important moment for Chestnut and my focus will be on ensuring our people feel valued, supported, and empowered as we deliver our strategic ambitions. Building a culture where people remain the front of this is vital to our growth.” Congratulations, Charley O'Toole! 🍏💚

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🚨 A Pro-Growth Budget in Scotland: Time for Bold Action 🚨 Scotland’s retail industry employs 228,000 people and underpins communities across the country. But rising costs, stagnant sales, and increased taxes are placing enormous strain on retailers. 👎 That’s why the Scottish Retail Consortium has set out six priorities ahead of the 2026–27 Budget: No new retailer levies ❌ Spending restraint over tax rises 💷 Competitive business rates 🏪 Careful approach to devolved tax powers 🤝 Narrowing income tax divergence 📊 Tackle retail crime 👮 With a minority government in Holyrood, MSPs must work together to deliver a timely, pro-growth budget that gives businesses certainty and supports jobs, investment, and Scotland’s wider economy. Read Director of the SRC, David Lonsdale's comments in The Herald Scotland on this today 👇 https://lnkd.in/eQ446h-8 To read the submission in full 👇 https://lnkd.in/ezvptyHY #ScotlandRetail #ProGrowthBudget #SRCvoices

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Sad industry news. Roberts Bakery has announced plans to potentially close its manufacturing facility located in Ilkeston. The business has described the move as a “difficult decision“, which followed a “comprehensive review of the company’s product portfolio, overall footprint and long-term business strategy”. Link to the full story in comments 👇 #bakery #food #news #manufacturing

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