Bar operator Arc Inspirations plans to create 1,000 jobs over the next three to five years

The company is set to accelerate its growth after securing significant investment from BGF for a minority stake in the business.

BGF is investing £19m into Arc Inspirations to give the business “substantial firepower” as it looks to double its footprint over the next few years by opening multiple bar sites in major UK cities.

A spokesman said: “ Today’s announcement marks a new phase for the business, paving the way for an accelerated rollout of its three premium brands Banyan Bar & Kitchen, BOX and Manahatta.

“The investment will support the company’s ambition to double the business from its current 18 venues, delivering at least four new site openings per year over the next three to five years.”

Commenting on the news, entrepreneur Martin Wolstencroft, who is the co-founder and CEO of the business, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this investment from BGF who are committed investors with a track record of supporting growth and success in the hospitality and leisure sector.

“This funding will enable us to expand our business significantly, allowing us to take advantage of substantial market opportunities over the next few years, as we take our winning brands to more key cities across the UK.”

The deal marks the first time Arc has introduced external investment to the group. Its expansion to date – since Mr Wolstencroft and co-founder Chris Ure launched the business in 1999 – has been funded by the business and more recently through a renewed partnership with HSBC.

Mr Wolstencroft, Mr Ure and managing director Anni Opong remain significant shareholders in the business.

In addition, and as part of this process, non-executive director Steve Richards, CEO of Parkdean Resorts and chairman of UKHospitality, will continue supporting the executive leadership team as non-executive chair.

A BGF spokesman said: “The successful conclusion of this investment process comes on the back of a year of resurgence and recovery for the business after the challenges of the pandemic.

“Arc Inspirations recently posted record annual sales, in excess of £40m, and last autumn opened two new landmark venues, in Birmingham (Manahatta) and Deansgate, Manchester (BOX).”

The deal was led for BGF by Barry Jackson and Rob Johnson. Commenting on behalf of BGF, Barry Jackson, head of BGF in Yorkshire and North East, said: “Arc Inspirations is an ambitious business with proven concepts and sights set on expansion across the UK regions.

“We have experience of successfully supporting similar businesses on this journey. Arc has already achieved an impressive scale and we look forward to working with Martin, Chris and the team to deliver against the plan to take the business to the next level.”

Arc Inspirations operates a cluster model, running premium large-scale bar sites in close proximity to each other, under complementary brands in key towns and cities in the Midlands and the North.

It employs 1,000 people and its growth plans mean it is expected to recruit a similar number again, over the next three to five years.

The spokesman added: “Most recently it announced plans to open a new £2.5m Manahatta on Newcastle’s Collingwood Street on the site of a former Allied Irish Bank, creating almost 100 new jobs.

“It is the group’s second location in the city – it also operates a Banyan Bar & Kitchen on nearby Blackett Street – and is expected to open in late 2022.”

Martin Wolstencroft, the co-founder and CEO of Arc Inspirations, said the investment marks a new phase for the business.

Mr Wolstencroft said: “It is a genuine landmark moment for us, in our 20-year-plus journey, from when Chris and I opened our first bar in Headingley, Leeds, to where we are now with a group of 18 leading businesses run by a team of outstanding operators.”

Advisers to Arc Inspirations were KPMG (Christian Mayo) and Gordons (James Fawcett, Amy Pierechod and Lauren Wurzal).

The adviser for BGF was a team from Squire Patton Boggs (Paul Mann, Joshua Lodge and Sarah Hardman).