Buzzworks eyes further expansion

  • Ayrshire group on lookout for new venues across Scotland as it posts rise in profits

THE firm behind Ayrshire venues Elliots and Scotts is poised to continue its expansion across Scotland as it prepares to launch its first outlet in the east coast this summer.

Kenny, Alison and Colin Blair of Buzzworks Holdings.

Posting financial results for the year to April 2017, Buzzworks Holdings directors Kenny, Colin and Alison Blair, who won the 2016 SLTN Industry Achievement Award, said they are “confident and optimistic” about their business model, and are actively seeking to open new venues across the country.

The Prestwick-based group, which operates ten venues under four brands – Elliots, Scotts, House and Lido – and is set to open a Scotts outlet at Port Edgar Marina in Queensferry this summer, recorded a 15.6% increase in turnover to £14.8 million in the year to April 30; pre-tax profits rose 9.2% to £694,248.

Buzzworks, which was listed in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for in the UK, also increased its workforce by 13% in the year to April 30, to 438 employees.

Kenny said investment in the team and the group’s outlets have been “instrumental in our success to date”.

“Last year was an exciting time for Buzzworks Holdings and as a company we achieved some healthy results; however we are constantly looking forward and our focus is now on how to make 2018 even more of a success as we expand into the east coast and beyond,” he said.

“We move forward with cautious optimism as the sector continues to face challenges relating to increased supplier and staff costs however we have managed this well.

“We will continue to invest heavily in our people and bring them along on this exciting journey, whilst making sure our customers continue to enjoy world class hospitality at each of our venues.”