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Mayor of London gains licensing call-in powers for venues
London's mayor can now make the final decision on licensing applications of strategic importance, after a new call-in power began on 3 November. It is the first time a UK mayor can decide a licensing application directly. The power covers…
Wales consults on under-16 energy drink ban with £1,500 fines
The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s, with proposed fixed penalties of £1,500 or £2,500 for retailers found selling them. The consultation closes on 17 December and covers enforcement, online…
CMA accepts Co-op and Southern Co-op undertakings in lieu of reference
The Competition and Markets Authority accepted undertakings in lieu of a phase 2 reference on 5 November in the Co-op Group and Southern Co-op case. The remedy package covers the sale of convenience stores and funeral homes. The full text…
Superdry secures £70m refinancing to fund 21 new stores
Superdry & Co has secured a £70 million refinancing package from Barclays and Bank of America to push ahead with plans to open 21 new stores, Retail Gazette reports. The package replaces financing agreed with Bantry Bay Capital and Hilco…
FaceGym opens first Liverpool studio with franchise partner Vivo
FaceGym will open its first Merseyside studio at Liverpool ONE on 10 December, run by franchise partner Vivo Studios, Retail Gazette reports. The 500 sq ft site, backed by more than £300,000 of investment, will create 12 jobs and is…
Popeyes UK sees growth through drive-thrus and franchise partners
Popeyes UK and Ireland, which runs around 110 restaurants, sees room for growth through drive-thrus, retail parks and franchise partnerships, Propel reports. Chief executive Tom Crowley says the business has no intention of slowing its expansion, which he said depends…
SpudBros Express begins UAE rollout as London flagship opens
SpudBros Express is starting its UAE rollout, Propel reports, with an ambition to become a global fast-casual brand. The jacket potato brand signed an area development agreement with Forward Hospitality in August and, according to Restaurant Online, has launched a…
Strong Pilates targets 20 new UK studios in 2027
STRONG Pilates is targeting 20 new UK studios in 2027, according to a press release dated 5 November, after seven openings this year took its UK network to 15 studios from eight at the end of 2025. The Australian-born boutique…
Salad Kitchen secures ninth site after eight London shops
The Salad Kitchen has secured a ninth site, Propel reports, taking the brand beyond the eight shops listed on its own website. The London salad business has said it plans to grow nationwide through franchising, MCA Insight reported earlier, and…
Hangry Moose targets growth as new owners take over
Hangry Moose, a Midlands street food business with burger restaurants in Bromsgrove and Worcester, is planning to expand under new owners Darren Smith and Alex Moran. Bdaily reported on 3 November that they have taken the business forward after the…
