Premier revenue down
A softening market has seen revenue slow for budget hotel chain Premier Inn, according to a trading statement from parent Whitbread. The leisure firm, which also owns coffee chain Costa, said overall like-for-like sales in its portfolio were up by 1.8%, while total sales were up by 8%.
Willmott Dixon profits fall
Willmott Dixon’s pretax profits fell by 39% from £25.9m in 2014 to £15.8m last year. The company’s annual results show overall turnover increased to £174.1m, up from £164.4m, but profits declined.
My Local on brink of collapse
My Local filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 22 June, giving the retailer 10 days of protection from creditors. Owner Greybull Capital has lined up KPMG, which had been working with the convenience store chain on its options in the event of the company entering administration.
Ward joins JLL
JLL has appointed Philip Ward as chief executive of its EMEA hotels and hospitality group. Ward joins from investment bank Brookfield Financial, where he founded the company’s European branch and was managing director.
Record rent in Thames Valley
Blackberry has signed a 10-year lease for 16,500 sq ft in TH Real Estate’s Pearce Building in Maidenhead, Berkshire, at £37.50 per sq ft – the highest rent achieved in the Thames Valley. Knight Frank and DTRE acted for TH Real Estate; Cushman & Wakefield acted for Blackberry.
Ashfield cleared for Parkway
Ashfield Land has won planning permission for a 200,000 sq ft office scheme next to Bristol Parkway station. The £100m scheme, dubbed The Approach, is expected to complete in 2018.
