MARS, CPG, FSTA (all updates), politics, current trading & other:

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

A glance at our dog as she contorts her filthy body over something that we’d rather keep clean, confirms me in the view that man’s best friend is the dishwasher.

Or maybe the refrigerator or any one of a few dozen other labour-saving devices. Even the humble tin-opener because, unless I’m missing something and need to watch more Disney kids’ films, it certainly isn’t the dog.

Indeed having fed ours twice a day now for four years, I’m wondering just what’s in it for me.

She’s never offered me any of her food and, if I asked her to put the bins out, I’d be finding shredded bin bags and scattered kitchen scraps all over the garden for weeks.

But maybe I’m being unduly harsh.

I mean in the same way that nobody wants to road-test a crash-helmet when using it, I should maybe view her insistent demand that she is both a burglar alarm and a stab vest with a bit more respect.

Anyway, let’s hope her claim is never tested. At least not by a burglar with the foresight to bring along a manky old pork chop by way of distraction.

First full day in the office for Mr Burnham, let’s see what that brings. On to the news:

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PUBS & RESTAURANTS:

Current trading:

The Guardian reports that football has given pubs a boost and it opines that they should be given further help as ‘communal spaces where people can share big moments are a vital part of our shared life….’

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More on current trading:

The Oxford Partnership’s Market Watch June 2026 reports that the ‘World Cup and warmer weather boost UK hospitality as footfall rises 4.5%.’ It says that ‘customers also spent more time in hospitality venues, with average dwell time rising 7.7% to 154 minutes’. The Partnership reports that ‘food continued to lead spending growth, increasing by 3.8% compared with a 1.9% rise for drinks…’

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Politics:

Whilst nobody has actually done anything yet, the mood music appears to have changed and new PM Andy Burnham’s first steps in his new role will be watched closely. With that in mind, the sacking of Rachel Reeves and the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor could presage changes in Downing Street’s attitude towards the hospitality industry…

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Disposable income levels:

VAT is to be cut from household electricity bills from 1 October, removing the 5% tax and saving the typical household about £45 a year. Whilst not a lot, this is helpful. The savings will be funded by the cancellation of the digital ID programme.

Insolvencies:

Accountant RSM reports that the number of hospitality businesses becoming insolvent has continued to fall with numbers falling from 279 in May 2026 to 237 in June 2026, down 23% compared to the same month in 2025….

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Other news:

The MA reports that ‘pubs in south Oxfordshire are set to receive an additional 15% off their business rates after the district council approved a one off support scheme for 2026 and 2027.’ It says ‘the discretionary relief would be automatically applied to eligible pubs that already qualify for the Government’s pub relief scheme.’

MARSTON’S Q3 UPDATE

Marston’s reports ‘year-to-date like-for-like sales are 1.6% lower than last year, with softer off-peak market conditions offsetting strong growth in peak occasions.’ However, the group saw ‘strong trading during the World Cup with England matchdays delivering LFL sales growth of 22%, and sales up c.170% year-on-year across Grandstand pubs.’ It says that its ‘new pub formats all continue to deliver excellent LFL sales growth’ and ‘Grandstand is the standout performer, generating year-to-date LFL sales growth of c. 30% in the 36 conversions completed to date.’ The group says that ‘continued investment in the customer proposition [is] driving higher guest engagement, with higher-value Order & Pay sales up 45% year-on-year and guest reputation scores showing sustained strong performance.’

Outlook:

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FULLER, SMITH & TURNER – AGM TRADING UPDATE:

Fuller, Smith & Turner has briefly updated on trading saying ‘our positive trading performance has continued with the Company delivering like for like sales growth of 5.1% and good year-on-year profit conversion for the first 16 weeks of the financial year.’

Company comment:

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COMPANY NEWS:

Gregg’s is continuing its push into transport hubs with the opening of a store in Darlington’s refurbished railway station.

Pizza Union CEO Bobby Hashimi has told Taweel Capital that the UK has become a ‘pizza destination’  and that his own company, largely due to the simplicity and scaleability of its model, can grow further in an ultra-competitive pizza market.

Property agent Drake & Co reports that it has advised Valiant Pub Company on the acquisition of The Griffin Inn. The transaction, which completed yesterday, is reported to be a Grade II listed pub dating back to the 17th century, Valiant Pub Company plans to invest significantly in the property preserving the character and heritage.

The Caterer reports on Sodexo’s 2030 growth acceleration plan saying that the company believes that it is ‘fully back in the game, competing with the best in our industry…’

Cornish Bakery has announced that it has ‘launched its innovative new summer product range’ saying that the ‘new seasonal menu features a selection of pioneering bakes designed to celebrate the brighter months.’

Restaurant Online reports that US QSR brand Chick-fil-A is to open its first UK drive-thru restaurant at Hamilton’s Palace Grounds Retail Park.

The FT reports that ‘Diageo’s chair is planning a shake-up of the drinks giant’s board in a bid to bring in ‘heavyweight’ industry experience as the group confronts a historic downturn in spirits demand.’

In the US, brand-owner Domino’s Pizza Inc has reported Q2 numbers saying that revenue was ahead of Wall Street’s expectations at up 4.3% increase to $1.19bn. Order volumes were up by 2.2%…

COMPASS GROUP – Q3 TRADING UPDATE:

The company, which now both reports results and denominates its shares in US$, reports that it has ‘delivered another strong quarter, with organic revenue growth of 7.1%.’ It says that ‘net new business growth accelerated into our 4 – 5% target range as expected, and we remain on track to deliver net new growth at this level for the fifth consecutive year.’ The company adds that ‘client retention remained excellent at 96% and our pipeline of opportunities continues to support confidence in future growth.’ CPG reports that ‘LFL growth was in line with our expectations, with volumes in North America benefiting modestly from the Football World Cup.’ It says that ‘in International, like-for-like growth moderated, reflecting lower inflation and Sports & Leisure calendar timings.’

Outlook:

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HOLIDAYS & LEISURE TRAVEL:

Whitbread-owned Premier Inn has confirmed it is coming to Hunstanton, saying that it is to ‘invest in a 108-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on Southend Road, subject to planning.’ The company ‘is in early discussions with planners at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.’

OTHER LEISURE:

PE firm Bluestone Equity Partners has led a $55m equity investment in Poolhouse, the technology-enabled cue sports company founded by Steve and Dave Jolliffe. Poolhouse seeks to bring modern technology and design to cue sports.

Netflix shares fell on the release of the company’s Q2 numbers despite the quarterly results appearing to be in line with its expectations. The company announced that net income came in at $3.4bn for Q2, up 8.83% year over year. EPS was 80c, up 11%. The company said its ‘financial performance remains solid and we are on track to achieve our full-year objectives.’ The company reiterated full year targets of revenue between $51bn and $51.4bn.

A federal judge yesterday ordered Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery to pause their $81bn merger for at least two weeks as 12 US states have already challenged the bid. The contesting states have asked the judge to hold the transaction until after the court had time to ‘fully evaluate’ their claims.

FINANCE & MARKETS:

Commenting on Andy Burnham’s appointment as PM, CBI CEO Rain Newton-Smith says ‘ambitious plans to improve the livelihoods of people across the country must be matched by action to get businesses thriving once again….’

And commenting on the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor, CBI economist Louise Hellem says ‘business will be conscious that whilst there is now a new occupant at No. 11 Downing Street, the same challenges to unlock growth remain. Maintaining business and investor confidence will be critical to delivering the growth needed to raise living standards and strengthen prosperity across the UK….’

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Oil prices have risen on concerns that US military strikes in the Gulf – and the resultant problems with supply – could become something of an ongoing habit.

Sterling slightly lower at $1.3439 and €1.1769. Oil off a little at $88.69. UK 10 year gilt yield up another 3 basis points at 5.04%. World markets mostly lower yesterday & London set to open around 61 points down as at 6.30am.

RETAIL WITH NICK BUBB:

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