Hospitality operator to create 200 jobs in Nottingham following ‘transformational’ year
One of the UK’s fastest-growing bar groups is set to create 200 jobs in Nottingham as it prepares to launch a pair of new venues in the city.
Last week we reported that Arc Inspirations had submitted plans to open one of its high-end Manahatta cocktail bars at the former French Connection unit on Victoria Street and a Box sports bar at 2-3 Thurland Street in Nottingham city centre.
Arc has now confirmed its plans to expand in the East Midlands, with the news coming as the Leeds-based hospitality operator posted record group sales of £38.9m and profits of £7.5m for the full year to 31 March.
Both bars are expected to open in the next six months alongside further venues in Newcastle, Sheffield and Birmingham.
A spokesperson for Arc told TheBusinessDesk.com that around 200 of the 500 jobs it plans to create across the five venues will be based in Nottingham.
Both bars will be located within Grade II listed buildings.
The company has proposed to refurbish the basement, ground and first floors of both sites and intends to create a new mezzanine floor at Victoria Street.
Arc Inspirations’ CEO Martin Wolstencroft said the company had enjoyed an “exceptional and transformational” year.
He said: “We started it with significant restrictions still in place during the first quarter, and we ended it by posting record sales and profits, concluding a new growth partnership with BGF, and being awarded two industry ‘Oscars’ – for best company and best operations team.
“This is a testament to our team and culture. We are now able to contemplate a year without any trading restrictions for the first time since 2019. While clearly challenges remain, the business is extremely well-positioned with a clear growth plan, an exceptional pipeline of new sites, strong customer brands and two new strategic partnerships, which when combined will enable the business to capitalise on market opportunities over the next five years.”
Arc was formed in 1999 by Wolstencroft and Chris Ure. It initially catered for the student population in the Headingley area of Leeds but has since expanded significantly.
