The Arena Summer Event 2017
with Mark Fox, CEO, Bill’s Restaurants
10.30am, Monday 15 May 2017
Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, London
At the Arena Summer Event on Monday 15 May, CGA’s Peter Martin will chair a special debate with supplier and operator panellists. They will explore the issues of supply chain and rising food prices, and discuss what suppliers and operators want to see from each other going forward. Confirmed panellists to date include Chris Hopkins of Mitchells & Butlers, Frank Bandura of Gaucho Restaurants and Paul Collins from Reynolds.
Rising food prices and uncertainty about UK agricultural policy post-Brexit have pushed supply-chain issues to the top of the agenda for leaders in the eating-out market. With the CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index showing food inflation for the industry running at 3.7% in February, it’s no surprise that the effect of the falling pound on costs is the biggest immediate concern for restaurant, pub and café operators, according to CGA’s latest Business Leaders Survey.
Following an exquisite three-course lunch, Mark Fox, the CEO of Bill’s Restaurants, will also deliver a fascinating keynote speech and give an insight into the distinct brand heritage and successful strategy inspiring the chain’s continued rapid growth.
Bill’s is a real ‘phoenix from the fire’ success story; from a flood-destroyed greengrocer’s shop in Lewes in 2000 to a £110.5 million, fast-growing casual dining brand today, operating 76 restaurants and employing almost 3,000 across the UK.
Mark Fox will discuss the unique brand heritage and strategy that has inspired Bill’s’ continued, rapid growth, securing an increase in turnover of +20.5% for the year ending July 2016 and a place at number 70 in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 2016; his vision and plan to deliver continued success; and the key issues impacting casual dining and the wider industry.
The Arena Summer Event offers an excellent opportunity to engage with professionals from across the foodservice and hospitality industry. Operators signed up for the CGA newsletter can attend this event at the discounted rate of £155 + vat.
To book tickets, visit www.arena.org.uk/event/2792 and contact Lorraine Wood at lorraine@arena.org.uk or on 07803 853 618 and mention code ARENAMF.
