The Pret Effect – UK and Ireland MD confirmed for Food to Go Conference 2024

Pret A Manger has shifted its growth strategy since 2020 by embracing franchising, a first for the company. This new model has led to expansion in various locations across the UK, including unconventional sites like motorway services and airports, with over 20% of its UK shops now operated by franchise partners. This strategy also includes a focus on embodying Pret’s values in its partnerships and offering opportunities for current and prospective franchisees, as highlighted by UK & Ireland Managing Director Clare Clough in her keynote session about Pret’s ongoing expansion in the UK and Ireland.

Pret has taken a different approach to its growth strategy since 2020 and a key part of that has been developing its franchise business for the first time. Through its new franchise model, Pret has moved away from ‘following the skyscraper’, to focus on bringing the brand to more people by opening up shops in new towns and cities across the UK, and in new channels and formats such as motorway services, shopping centres, airports, railway stations. Over 20 per cent of Pret’s UK shop estate is now operated by franchise partners, and growth through these partners is a key priority moving forwards.

Most recently, Pret opened its first shop in Northern Ireland together with long-standing partner Carebook Ltd, as part of plans to open 20 shops over the next decade on the island of Ireland. In this keynote session, as Pret continues to expand both in the UK and further afield, UK & Ireland Managing Director Clare Clough will shine a spotlight on the approach Pret is taking, including how it ensures partners embody Pret’s values, and the opportunities for current and prospective franchisees.

Clare Clough has been Pret’s UK Managing Director since 2019 and has almost 20 years’ experience in the Food & Beverage retail sector.

A line up of the finest speakers in the sector will share their insights and wisdom on the day.

Maintaining magic and momentum in a digital world, with Ashley Davis, managing director, restaurants and grocery, Leon

In this presentation, Ashley will explore how operators can maintain the magic of hospitality and customer service when combining the benefits of digital support. She will also demonstrate how an omnichannel approach can support and drive brand awareness and profitability for restaurants.

Westmorland Family: Another way of doing motorway services, with Nabil Subuh, chief executive

A family business founded in 1972 from a farm in Cumbria, Westmorland operates unique motorway service areas, serving artisanal local produce from its farm shops and making many of the products in-house for its kitchens. CEO Nabil Subuh, formerly of Welcome Break, Pret and Coffee Republic, will explain the community values of Westmorland, and how its mantra of ‘proper food on the motorway’ stands it apart from the wider market, winning it customers across geographies and demographics.

Fireaway: build-your-own pizza, fast track growth Q&A with Mario Aleppo, founder and CEO

Since its launch in 2016, build-your-own pizza concept Fireaway has grown to over 160 UK stores. Boasting eye-catching design and innovative menus, the success of its entrepreneurial founder is regularly featured on YouTube. In this interview, Mario will describe how he has used franchising to create a differentiated addition to the high street, with enduring appeal particularly among younger demographics.

Krispy Kreme: Delivering joyful doughnuts to the nation

With flexible formats and ample space to grow, Krispy Kreme is looking to significantly expand its presence in the UK, where less than a third of people live close to an outlet. UK MD Jamie Dunning will share more about the business of running a ‘joyful brand’, how it has maintained its cool among young people, and new channel growth opportunities such as partnerships with McDonald’s.

Insight: Transaction trends and openings strategies, with Paul Langston, partner – Location Intelligence, CACI

As hybrid work become further ingrained into office culture, food-to-go spend remains concentrated on some days and displaced on others. Meanwhile, day-to-day convenience spending remains under pressure as cost-of-living pressures enter a second year. In this insight presentation, Paul will examine the distinctive transactional trends being seen in different demographic groups, geographies and price-points, and what impact this might have on operators’ future openings strategies and performance.

That’s the confirmed line up so far – annot to be missed  event for the calendar in 2024.