Group named in 50 most important industry players

The Inn Collection Group has been named as one of the 50 most important players in the northern restaurant and bar scene.

The group’s managing director Sean Donkin, executive deputy chairman Keith Liddell and chairman Ian Goulding were new entries in the coveted Kuits NRB Top 50 names of the industry’s movers and shakers in the restaurant and bar world.

The list was revealed at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show, one of the industry’s biggest gatherings at Manchester Central

Thom Hetherington, CEO of organisers Holden Media said: “It’s been another strong year for the North’s leading operators, driving the industry forward with a balance of expansion, innovation and consolidation. Recent data from CGA shows the restaurant and bar scene in the major Northern cities is far outperforming London, and I think that a combination of lower costs and a better lifestyle mean more and more operators are choosing to build their businesses in the North.”

Felicity Tulloch, joint head of licensing at Kuits said: “The hotly-anticipated list provides an important platform for the most exciting and influential new and established operators in the hospitality industry. Hospitality is a sector that is continuing to thrive in the UK, harnessing creativity, innovation and collaboration to propel brands forward amidst the increased political and economic pressures we’ve seen of late. We are delighted to present here those operators we feel are really making waves in what is a constantly evolving market. Thank you for helping to make the North the best place to eat, sleep and drink in the UK.”

Sean Donkin said: “It’s a real coup to have made the Kuits Top 50 and to be named as one of the North of England’s leading operators. It’s a fitting reflection of our resolution in making The Inn Collection Group a brand synonymous with quality, value for money accommodation, food and drinks across our expanding pubs with rooms portfolio.”