Chain Leader UK, a new magazine from the Caterer Group aimed at the UK branded pub, bar and restaurant market, launches this week. The glossy business-to-business monthly will be distributed to the sector's 8,000 senior executives in head offices, with a further 20,000 digital copies being sent to unit managers.
According to Forbes Mutch, acting editor-in-chief of Chain Leader UK, the branded market is a growing sector and needs its own magazine.
"Public demand for easy, accessible places to eat and drink has exploded in recent years," he said. "The market, which is attracting new money from previously reluctant investors, is expanding beyond recognition. There are now more than 100,000 branded pubs, bars, restaurants, coffee bars and sandwich shops in the UK, employing upwards of 700,000 people."
The first issue lists the sector's leading 250 operators, takes a look at design trends in 2005, and interviews David Page, head of acquisitive restaurant group Clapham House.
It also contains industry comment from Wagamama's Ian Neill and David Coffer of property consultant Davis Coffer Lyons, plus information on the US scene.
A website has been launched, and there are plans to run a conference and an industry awards scheme. For more, see
www.chainleaderuk.com.