BUZZWORKS Holdings, one of Scotland’s fastest-growing independent restaurant and bar operators, has enjoyed another successful year as they report an increase in turnover, up 14 per cent from £16.2m to £18.4m, for 2019.
The family-owned Scottish hospitality group continues to go from strength to strength, with operating profit up 15 per cent, from £633,700 in 2018 to £731,484 in 2019 and capital investment top of the agenda for the year.
Buzzworks has invested significantly in its new and existing venues. A total of £3m was spent across the portfolio, including the refurbishment of its flagship venue Elliots in Prestwick, transforming it into the new Vic’s & The Vine bar and restaurant alongside the creation of the Ayrshire based company’s first venue on the east coast – Scott’s Bar & Restaurant in Port Edgar, South Queensferry.
Further investment has also followed in the east, with the purchase of a freehold property, The Bridge Inn, in Linlithgow.
Colin Blair, Chairman of Buzzworks Holdings, said: “By strategically investing in our existing venues, we are pleased to report a year-on-year rise in turnover and underlying profitability, during what has been an exciting period for the business.
“Following 16 years of business in the heart of Prestwick, we marked a new chapter for Elliots bar and restaurant by reinvesting in the property, completely transforming the venue and opening Vic’s & The Vine. This will ensure we continue to offer world-class hospitality within a stunning new setting for both our loyal customers and new guests.
“It’s essential to evolve within the hospitality industry and look at innovative ways to create new and exciting concepts for our customers, whilst benefiting the local community and Scotland’s hospitality industry.”
As part of its growth strategy outwith opening new venues and reinvesting in the existing estate, Buzzworks also continued to invest heavily in its people through industry-leading training and wellbeing initiatives.
Marking a first for the family-run company, a People Director was hired to lead the charge in creating a people strategy within the business to ensure Buzzworks remains one of the top places to work in the UK.
Colin said: “Employee training and wellbeing continues to be a core principle for Buzzworks and we have invested heavily in this area once again. The recruitment of our new People Director is testament to our commitment to remaining one of the best places to work in the UK and we are delighted to be in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for In the UK for the 4th year in succession.
“By providing a positive working environment for all employees, along with the knowledge and tools to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers each and every time, we will reap the benefits of a long term successful hospitality business.
“Overall we are reflecting on an exciting year for Buzzworks, and we look forward to unveiling our new venue in Linlithgow, The Bridge Inn, with a further two projects to be announced soon.”
Buzzworks Holdings operates 12 venues across Scotland including their most recent offering The Duke in Kilmarnock, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, five House venues in West of Scotland namely Mill House Stewarton, Corner House Kilwinning, Tree House Ayr, Coach House Bridge of Weir and Long House Kilmarnock. Three Scotts restaurants in Troon, Largs and South Queensferry and their flagship venue Vic’s & The Vine in Prestwick.
