Latest news with #MattClarke
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Trade is so bad': Pub could be closed within months
A VILLAGE pub could be closed within months, with the landlord saying "trade is so bad." Matt Clarke, who runs the Fox & Hounds at Lulsley, has put the pub up for sale and applied for planning permission to convert it into housing. If approved, the pub could be turned into six flats and three further homes could be built on the site. Mr Clarke said the decision has caused "a rift" with villagers but that challenges facing the hospitality industry have hit the pub hard. READ MORE: Pair in their 60s arrested after alleged assault near supermarket READ MORE: Emergency services called to M5 bridge crash READ MORE: Speeding drivers through village targeted by police "Unfortunately, the pub's really struggling so we're trying to sell and we've put in for planning permission as well," he said. "It's caused a bit of a rift with the community but trade is so bad. "The hospitality trade is on its knees, the staff costs have gone through the roof, minimum wage has gone up and utilities are really expensive so it's been hard." Speaking to the Worcester News at the pub's dog show, he said the annual event would normally require more staff but that this year, they were down to just three. "The dog show is a boost to keep us going a bit longer," he said. "There's just three of us working today, rather than seven years ago, we'd have five or six people." The pub is being listed for sale by estate agents Sidney Phillips, with an asking price of £495,000 for the freehold. According to the planning application, the pub went to auction on March 26 but did not sell. It said the applicants had asked Sidney Phillips to continue listing the property while they continue alternative uses, such as the application to turn it into homes. "Within the next two or three months, we'll probably be shut," Mr Clarke said. "It can't be helped. We're trying everything we can."
1News
27-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Qantas increases summer flights between Australia and New Zealand
Qantas is increasing the number of flights between Australia and New Zealand by up to 20% throughout December and January, the airline has announced. Qantas Airlines said that around 60,000 additional seats will be available to cross the Tasman compared to the same time last year. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said this is "great news" for travellers because it means more competition and choice at the busiest time of the year. "This follows increases to the Melbourne service and an upgraded Brisbane service. In total, Qantas will be operating 65% more seats for December and January than they were before the pandemic." Sydney to Auckland will have up to six additional flights per week on top of the current schedule of 35 per week. ADVERTISEMENT Wellington will have an additional five flights to Sydney a week and Christchurch will have up to seven extra flights a week to the city. Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said that news shows Qantas recognises the "strength of the Christchurch and South Island market". Qantas in Christchurch (Source: Christchurch Airport) "These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They'll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options." Flights to Melbourne are increasing by seven for Auckland, three for Christchurch and two for Queenstown. Brisbane to Queenstown will have an additional three flights per week. The new flights have also been timed to connect with Qantas' international services, said Christchurch Airport, "offering travellers super convenient links to destinations across Asia and Europe". ADVERTISEMENT In addition to adding more flights for routes between Australia and New Zealand, Qantas will increase premium seat choices for customers by up to 80%. Tourism New Zealand regional director Andrew Waddel said 'we welcome the increase in capacity from Qantas and look forward to our Australian friends experiencing all Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer". New Qantas routes
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Big Increase In Wellington – Sydney Qantas Flights This Summer
Press Release – Wellington Airport Limited Qantas will be flying up to five additional flights per week from 15 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, an increase from 14 flights up to 19 flights per week. This means travellers will have a choice of three Qantas flights per day to Sydney, five times … Wellington Airport is welcoming the announcement of a 31% increase in Qantas flights between Wellington and Sydney this summer. Qantas will be flying up to five additional flights per week from 15 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, an increase from 14 flights up to 19 flights per week. This means travellers will have a choice of three Qantas flights per day to Sydney, five times per week. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke comments: 'This is great news for travellers because it means more competition and choice at the busiest time of the year. 'More capacity for travellers coming into Wellington is great news for our tourism industry as well. 'The Qantas team is doing fantastic work to grow New Zealand's travel markets by adding capacity where it's needed most. Qantas is our largest international airline by some distance now and we can't wait to see more of our Aussie neighbours. 'This follows increases to the Melbourne service and an upgraded Brisbane service. In total, Qantas will be operating 65% more seats for December and January than they were before the pandemic. 'Based on current schedules Qantas and Jetstar will be operating two-thirds of Wellington's trans-Tasman capacity over the busy peak summer period. The onward connections to Asia and beyond make the Qantas group a very convenient choice for travellers.'
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Big Increase In Wellington – Sydney Qantas Flights This Summer
Wellington Airport is welcoming the announcement of a 31% increase in Qantas flights between Wellington and Sydney this summer. Qantas will be flying up to five additional flights per week from 15 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, an increase from 14 flights up to 19 flights per week. This means travellers will have a choice of three Qantas flights per day to Sydney, five times per week. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke comments: 'More capacity for travellers coming into Wellington is great news for our tourism industry as well. 'The Qantas team is doing fantastic work to grow New Zealand's travel markets by adding capacity where it's needed most. Qantas is our largest international airline by some distance now and we can't wait to see more of our Aussie neighbours. 'This follows increases to the Melbourne service and an upgraded Brisbane service. In total, Qantas will be operating 65% more seats for December and January than they were before the pandemic. 'Based on current schedules Qantas and Jetstar will be operating two-thirds of Wellington's trans-Tasman capacity over the busy peak summer period. The onward connections to Asia and beyond make the Qantas group a very convenient choice for travellers.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Defender Clarke signs three-year Derby deal
Defender Matt Clarke has signed a three-year deal to remain with Derby County after he helped the club avoid relegation from the Championship. The 28-year-old left second-tier rivals Middlesbrough to rejoin the Rams for a third spell in January. He returned to Pride Park on a short-term contract, running until the end of the season. Clarke started in 15 of Derby's final 17 matches of the season and played an instrumental role in the East Midlands club's late-season resurgence that saw them avoid the drop of the final day. Derby won six and drew three of their last 11 matches of the season to finish 19th in the table and just one point ahead of relegated Luton Town. In April, Clarke told BBC East Midlands Today that the relegation-battle he had been brought in for was something that needed to be "embraced", having previously helped the club stay up when managed by Wayne Rooney in 2021. Dominic Dietrich, BBC Radio Derby's senior sports journalist: Matt Clarke is a strong start to summer business for John Eustace as he looks to mould his Derby County side. Clarke is in his third spell at Derby and one thing that's been consistent throughout is his ability to deliver at Championship level. His role under Eustace has predominantly been on the left side of a back three so it will be interesting to see how this changes and his role evolves, if Eustace reverts back to his tried and trusted back four. With Derby over the next three years I'm sure he'll want to be in that mix again.
