Latest news with #Buzzworks
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish restaurants and bars business's major deal and big plans
And doubling of the size of the restaurants and bars group, the launch of new venues incorporating bedrooms, and the creation of hundreds more jobs are now on the menu at Ayrshire-based Buzzworks Holdings. Kenny Blair, co-founder and managing director, is taking control of the family business and continuing with the 'mission to become a £100m-plus [turnover] Scottish hospitality company', Buzzworks said. He talked about investing in "more towns and suburbs across the country", and "the next stage of the Buzzworks journey" being about to start. The business, which has 22 venues across west, east and central Scotland and more than 800 staff, said the deal had seen funding raised through Alchemy Partners. Buzzworks declared Alchemy has 'a successful track record in investing in hospitality businesses throughout the UK and Europe'. Sir Tom Hunter's West Coast Capital will remain a 'key investor', Buzzworks said, and Cynergy Bank will join as the new banking partner. Buzzworks was founded in Ayrshire in 1978 by Kenny Blair, who is 55, and siblings Colin, 68, and Alison, 66. Read more The company said: 'The deal has been part of the company's long-term succession planning and will see Colin and Alison remaining in the business in advisory roles, ensuring their insights and values remain part of the company's DNA.' Buzzworks describes itself as 'one of Scotland's fastest-growing independent restaurant and bar operators'. Its brands, which it describes as "stylish", include Scotts, House, Lido, Vic's & The Vine, The Duke, The Bridge Inn, The Fox, Herringbone and Thirty Knots. As well as flagging plans for the new venues, incorporating bedrooms, Buzzworks also revealed it was making senior hires. It declared it had 'gone from strength to strength' with a 'successful formula of bringing great hospitality venues to Scotland's towns and suburbs'. And Buzzworks revealed: 'The next chapter of growth is focused on investment in property, expansion in terms of sites and people, with plans to introduce new venues that will incorporate bedrooms as part of the offering. The commitment to growth and development will be fast-tracked as part of the deal with three new senior hires joining the business and new positions created in the coming months.' In January, Buzzworks announced it had achieved annual turnover of £34.8m for the 12 months to April 2024, up from £29.9m in the prior financial year. It declared this week that 'despite a challenging time for the industry as a whole, and an uneven playing field for business rates compared with England', it had 'continued to push the boundaries and possibilities for hospitality in Scotland'. Kenny Blair said: 'A life's work has gone into making Buzzworks what it is today, and our family couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved. However, our job isn't anywhere near done and we're as passionate about it now as we were 40 years ago. Along with my brother and sister, we've tried to stay true to our mission of making people feel great through hospitality and that founding spirit will continue to drive us forward in this next chapter as we aim to more than double the size of the business and create hundreds of new sustainable jobs.' He added: 'This deal gives us the momentum to move further, faster - investing in people, places and new formats including venues with rooms in more towns and suburbs across the country. Our foundations are strong and we know exactly where we want to get to. The next stage of the Buzzworks journey is about to begin.' Buzzworks emphasised its approach of 'providing bespoke training opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance for every member of staff'.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire hospitality firm earns prestigious B Corp certification
Buzzworks has become the first multi-venue hospitality business in Scotland to achieve B Corporation certification. An Ayrshire hospitality firm has become the first multi-venue hospitality business in Scotland to achieve B Corporation certification. Buzzworks, who own and operate a range of hospitality venues across the county, announced they had successfully completed the rigorous certification process. Organised by the non profit organisation B Lab, B Corp certification shows that a company meets a high standard of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The B Corp movement is a growing global movement of businesses engage in social responsibility, sustainability and ethical business practices. Buzzworks earned its certification following an in-depth evaluation by B Lab. The company showed it worked closely with a range of charities and community partners and that it takes significant steps to address its environmental impact - including a commitment to reduce waste and energy consumption - throughout the evaluation process. These efforts are underpinned by ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) tracking to measure Buzzworks' progress and ensure continued accountability. Kenny Blair, Buzzworks managing director, led the business through the process. He said: 'Achieving B Corp Certification has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys we've undertaken as a business. 'With our scale, it was no small task, but we were absolutely determined to make it happen. 'At Buzzworks, we've always believed in doing the right thing for our people, through industry-leading training and development initiatives, for the communities we operate in, by creating jobs and supporting local charities, and for the planet. 'Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a major step forward in our commitment to all three. 'We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It's a testament to the collective effort of our team and the values we live by every day at Buzzworks.' The recognition comes on the back of another successful year for the family-owned business, with turnover rising 18 per cent from £29.9m to £34.8m in 2024. Buzzworks' Ayrshire venues include The Duke in Kilmarnock, The Fox in Troon, Lido in Troon and Prestwick, Scotts in Largs and Troon, Vic's and the Vine in Prestwick, The Long House in Kilmarnock, The Tree House in Ayr, The Corner House in Kilwinning, The Mill House in Stewarton and T-Bar in Ayr.
The National
14-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Ayrshire group becomes first multi-venue firm to gain B Corp certificate
Ayrshire-based Buzzworks now joins a select group of businesses recognised for their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. The B Corp certification comes after a successful year for the company, which saw its turnover increase 18% from £29.9 million to £34.8m in 2024. Buzzworks is also focused on expanding its portfolio, aiming to double its number of venues across various brands like Scotts, House, and Lido. Buzzworks earned its certification following an in-depth evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit organisation behind the B Corp movement. READ MORE: Edinburgh MoonWalk 2025 to be last in capital after 19 years The company's managing director, Kenny Blair, who was instrumental in leading the business through the rigorous process, said the achievement had been one of the most challenging and rewarding processes the business had ever gone through. 'With our scale, it was no small task but we were absolutely determined to make it happen,' he said. 'At Buzzworks, we've always believed in doing the right thing for our people, through industry-leading training and development initiatives for the communities we operate in, by creating jobs and supporting local charities and for the planet. Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a major step forward in our commitment to all three. 'We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It's a testament to the collective effort of our team and the values we live by every day at Buzzworks.' Blair (above) said the company would continue to work closely with a range of charities and community partners, while also taking significant steps to address its environmental impact – including a commitment to reduce waste and energy consumption. These efforts are underpinned by ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) tracking to measure Buzzworks' progress and ensure continued accountability. Blair added: 'Buzzworks has ambitious plans to double the size of the business, bringing its award-winning culture and values to even more communities. Its three core values – Care with Flair, Grow Forward Together and Value Every Voice – have shaped its B Corp journey and will continue to guide the company's future. 'Renowned for its industry-leading employee benefits, training and development, flexible working options and wellbeing initiatives, Buzzworks remains committed to being a great place to work and grow.'
Edinburgh Reporter
16-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Herringbone Barnton opens its doors
The newest member of the Herringbone family has just opened its doors on Friday morning. Herringbone Barnton will welcome its first guests on Friday bringing its cool but casual flair and signature hospitality to the suburbs. The stylish new bar and restaurant is the fourth Herringbone site to be opened by award-winning hospitality group Buzzworks, joining popular sister venues in Goldenacre, Abbeyhill and North Berwick. Chris Robinson, General Manager of Herringbone Barnton, said: 'We're so excited to be opening our doors here in Barnton – it's such a fantastic community, and we really feel we're bringing something special to the area. 'The venue looks incredible, our team has been training hard and is full of energy, and we just can't wait to welcome everyone in. 'There's a real buzz about the place already, and it's been amazing to see how excited people are to have a Herringbone on their doorstep. 'We've poured a lot of love into every detail, from the menu to the interiors, and we hope our guests are going to feel that from the moment they walk in.' The food menu has been crafted around daytime favourites, vibrant evening plates and gourmet burgers – all prepared fresh daily – and, for the first time at a Herringbone venue, the team will serve up handmade, sourdough pizzas. Food will be served from 9am daily, with full breakfasts, coffees, breakfast bowls, toasted croissants, avocado on toast, and much more available. Guests will also be able to enjoy more than 30 wines by the glass, seasonal cocktails, and local craft beer, with stylish interiors, a central bar, and expansive windows creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Chris added: 'Whether you're stopping in for a laid-back brunch, catching up over dinner with friends, or enjoying a relaxed drink at the bar, there's truly something for everyone. 'We're here to be a neighbourhood favourite, and we can't wait for the locals to come in and make it their own.' To explore the menus, and to book a table, visit: or stay-up-to-date on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Herringbone is part of the award-winning Buzzworks group, which has been recognised as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK and is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. The company offers competitive rates of pay, industry-leading training and development opportunities, and flexible working options to help team members achieve a healthy work-life balance. Like this: Like Related
