Magnify Marketing

According to new research from Experian, UK business failures are at their lowest level since June 2007. The data shows that businesses saw an 8% improvement in their financial strength score, improving from 79.46 in January 2009 to 81.16 in January 2010. M&C Report

The M&C Report understands that the Tragus Group is to unveil a clutch of new openings in London. The operator is thought to be launching a new Café Rouge on Tottenham Court Road in April, along with a second site under the same brand, on Charing Cross Road in May.

It’s been a busy week at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). They’ve appointed Colin Valentine as their new chairman and named the Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield as its National Pub of the Year, for the second year running.

The American restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday has announced plans to open in Britain this summer. The company’s first outlet will open in Cardiff in June according to a report in The Sunday Times. It has more than 900 owned and franchised restaurants and revenues of more than $1.4bn.

Figures released by hospitality research company STR Global revealed that hotel revenue per available room rose by 10.1% in London, but fell by 0.4% across the regions in the week ending 30 January 2010. caterersearch.com

A freehouse owner has found a unique way to battle other pubs running price promotions by allowing customers to barter for their beer. Customers at the Bugle Horn in Bassingham, Lincs, can swap goods such as local game or services, such as washing up, for a drink. thepublican.com

The Meantime Brewing Company is set to open its new microbrewery in Greenwich. The new site, which is due to open on March 23rd, will include a restaurant and cafe-bar.

…and finally. Following the closure of the local barbers, Dale Oades, licensee of The Cross Keys pub in Winterton, Lincs has opened a barbers shop in his pub. “People come in for a haircut and decide to have a pint first so we are doing a little better than before”. morningadvertiser.co.uk

Site of the week

This week I wanted to talk about “local sourcing” – the buzz word of menu development for the last few years!

This small group in Surrey not only offer a great range of local produce, but also operate a successful deli so people can take home what they are eating in the pub!

Obviously Carluccios has been operating a retail experience in their restaurants for quite some time but this tie in with local suppliers really does bring locally sourcing to a community.

Have been to one? – let me know what you think on my blog or face book pages on our website www.magnifymarketing.co.uk

http://www.magnifymarketing.co.uk