Investor hits out at Peter Kyle for ‘picking winners’ Politics Business secretary Peter Kyle has come under fire over his admission the government would be “picking winners” across the UK economy. The former Gail’s and Pizza Express investor Luke Johnson hit out at Kyle’s “arrogance and equal measure” for comments on the Labour government’s approach to investment. On Friday, Kyle spoke out about the government’s [...]
Knight Frank appointed for bumper Brighton Palace Pier sale hospitality Knight Frank has been instructed on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier, two months after the Grade II-listed landmark’s owners revealed their plans to offload the amusement park amid a barrage of economic headwinds. The Brighton Pier Group appointed the property giant to seek a buyer for the coastal attraction, which its operator said in [...]
Gail’s to open 40 bakeries after creating 500 jobs Retail Bakery chain Gail’s is to open 40 new sites by the end of February after creating almost 500 jobs during its latest financial year. The London-headquartered business said the new locations will all be open by 28 February, 2026, and it has plans to launch similar numbers “going forward”. The expansion comes after Gail’s opened [...]
Brighton Pier up for sale as Reeves’ tax hikes bite November 6, 2025 Brighton Pier Group, which was taken private earlier this year, has placed all its assets on the market as it battles “an extremely challenging trading environment” and the impact of Rachel Reeves’ tax hikes. In its first set of accounts since quitting the London Stock Exchange’s AIM in May, the group said it is “now [...]
Gail’s Bakery to open 35 new locations amid £500m sale talks December 3, 2024 Gail’s Bakery is planning to open 35 new locations across England during its current financial year as it considers a £500m sale. The London-headquartered business opened 21 in its latest 12 months – a period which also saw its revenue surge from £181.7m to £231.7m. Newly-filed accounts with Companies House for the year to 29 [...]
The Light: Leisure and cinema chain backed by Luke Johnson October 10, 2024 Seasoned investor Luke Johnson has backed leisure and cinema company The Light in yet another sign that the competitive socialising sector is heating up. Revolution Bars’ newly-appointed chair has acquired The Light – which operates an entertainment model including bowling alleys, mini golf and cinemas – along with a co-investment from cinema and leisure investors Melcorpo. [...]
Investor Luke Johnson slams Labour’s ‘socialist fantasy’ workers’ rights reform September 17, 2024 Revolution Bars’ newly-appointed chair and seasoned investor Luke Johnson has criticised Labour’s proposed workers’ rights overhaul, calling it a “socialist fantasy.” Labour is preparing a sweeping reform to tackle the UK’s “culture of presenteeism,” including a ban on “exploitative” zero-hours contracts and day-one employment rights. The government argues the changes will drive employee productivity. However, [...]
From Pizza Express to Channel 4: Who is Luke Johnson, Revolution Bars Group’s new chair? September 9, 2024 After a lengthy restructuring process that included £12.5m in emergency funding, Revolution Bars has appointed Luke Johnson as its new chair. The former Pizza Express and Channel 4 chairman provided £3m of the financing and owns a 20 per cent stake in the company. He will replace outgoing chair Keith Edelman, whose nine years in the role [...]
Revolution Bars brings in industry veteran Luke Johnson to replace long-standing chairman September 9, 2024 Revolution Bars has announced the appointment of well-known investor Luke Johnson as non-executive chairman of the struggling business. Johnson will replace Keith Edelman, who has served as chairman for the last nine years. Earlier this month, the pub and bar chain completed a comprehensive restructuring plan designed to steer the business back to profitability, which [...]