BARK.L Regulatory News (BARK)

6 February 2020

The Barkby Group Plc

("Barkby or "The Group")

Appointment of Operations Director of Barkby Hospitality

The Barkby Group PLC, the diversified business group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rupert Bagnall as Operations Director of Barkby Hospitality, to manage and grow its portfolio of premium gastro pubs and inns based in the South of England. 

Rupert has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. He worked at Wadworth and Co., the Wiltshire based brewer and regional pub operator, for 13 years, most recently as Operations Director where he directly oversaw the running of 55 pubs, with 8 direct reports and over 1,000 staff. A main board director, Rupert was part of the executive team that successfully restructured and streamlined the business, resulting in consistent turnover and profit growth.

Prior to joining Wadworth and Co. in 2006, Rupert held roles at pub and hospitality businesses including Young and Co., Yard Glass Pub Company and Regent Inns.

Rupert has received and been nominated for a number of awards including the Publican Morning Advertiser Awards and Licensee of the year.

Stephen Cook has left the Barkby Group with immediate effect to pursue other business interests.

Rupert Fraser, Group Managing Director of the Barkby Group, commented:

"I am delighted to welcome Rupert to The Barkby Group. He is a veteran of the hospitality industry and his extensive experience and award-winning management of successfully integrating, growing and launching new acquisitions will benefit us greatly as we expand our offering in the hospitality space.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen Cook for his efforts during his time at Barkby."

Enquiries: 

Notes to editors

The Barkby Group PLC is a diversified group of high growth, high quality businesses run by an entrepreneurial and experienced management team. The existing wholly owned businesses within Barkby include; Commercial Property Development, Barkby Hospitality (comprising Barkby Pubs and Workshop Coffee) and Centurian Automotive. In addition to these businesses, Barkby has the right to participate in the upcoming fundraisings for two disruptive high growth private companies: Transcend Packaging, a sustainable and innovative paper packaging manufacturer aiming to eliminate single use plastic, and VivoPlex, a digital health company aiming to transform fertility treatment with precision medicine. Barkby's strategy is to accelerate and maximise opportunities within its existing businesses as well as continue to source and invest in cash generative, growth businesses with the ability to disrupt.