Latest news with #TimMartin
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gensler launches City Pulse 2025
New data from 33,000 residents worldwide reveals how cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can turn attraction into long-term loyalty Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attraction and retention are not the same. Cities must understand both to ensure long-term vitality. Place attachment is a resilience strategy. Emotional connection keeps residents rooted, even when affordability or services fluctuate. The future-ready city isn't the most built, it's the most connected. Community, identity, and belonging drive urban success. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Gensler, the global architecture, design, and planning firm, has released its City Pulse 2025 report, a global study first on urban migration and place attachment. Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the report provides city leaders with a people-first alternative to traditional city rankings. The survey reveals that while cities in the UAE top global charts in satisfaction, future growth will require deeper investment in community, identity, and belonging to retain residents over the long term. Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East, said: 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition. But as we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it. Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighborhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.' City Pulse: A New Framework for Measuring Urban Vitality City Pulse 2025 is the first global index to frame cities as emotional ecosystems, not just economic engines. It offers an alternative lens for assessing city performance, one focused on how people feel about where they live, rather than simply what services are provided. In an era shaped by climate risk, affordability pressures, and demographic shifts, the study presents a new framework for understanding how cities can attract, and more importantly, retain people over the long term. The findings reaffirm that attraction and retention are not the same. While many cities are successful in drawing new residents with jobs, safety, and amenities, the factors that lead to people staying are different, driven by emotional connection, belonging, and place attachment. The study also reinforces Gensler's commitment to impact-led, city-scale urban design that is informed by robust research into what residents actually want from their cities. Through this work, Gensler aims to support city leaders and planners in shaping communities that are resilient, connected, and future-ready. Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among the Most Satisfying Cities Worldwide According to the survey, 91% of Dubai residents and 92% of Abu Dhabi residents say they are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city - among the highest satisfaction scores globally. In comparison, satisfaction in London stands at 76%, Tokyo at 63%, and New York at 69%. Yet satisfaction alone does not ensure retention. The City Pulse 2025 report reveals that the strongest predictors of residents staying long-term include feelings of pride, joy, and a sense of home. In contrast, practical aspects such as healthcare quality or job opportunities ranked much lower in determining whether people choose to stay. Affordability and Belonging Are the Next Frontiers While UAE residents value safety, infrastructure, and opportunity, affordability is emerging as a key consideration, mirroring global concerns. The report identifies cost of living as the single most important factor globally when deciding to move to a new city. For the UAE, this is particularly relevant as the country continues its efforts to attract and retain global talent under national frameworks like the Golden Visa and UAE's Talent Pass. As competition intensifies, offering a compelling value proposition, both economic and emotional, will be essential. Tim Martin added: "If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging. A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to, it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE." To explore the full global report, visit: About Gensler At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren't just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people's lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design. About the Gensler Research Institute The Gensler Research Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge on the relationship between design, business performance, and human experience. Through global studies and local insight, the Institute provides strategies that drive impact in a fast-changing world. Media Contact: Rochelle Alphonso rochelle@
News24
13-05-2025
- General
- News24
Suez Canal offers 15% discount for big container ships to win back trade
Tim Martin/Getty Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now
Powys County Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Wetherspoon customers issued looming 20p pint price warning
Tim Martin has warned that the price of a pint will go up by 20p in the coming days in Wetherspoon. According to the boss of the chain, breweries are already pushing through hikes on the back of cost pressures from the Budget. Martin said the government kept heaping pressure on pubs through higher taxes and costs. The pub industry had already faced demands for higher prices from breweries, which had increased their prices by around 7p per pint in the past week, he revealed. "It means pints in pubs are going to go up by on average 15p to 20p this month", he said. JD Wetherspoon has said that its pubs have capitalised on the spring sunshine while reiterating the impact of fresh hikes in labour costs on the bottom line. Business Insight 📈 ✍️ @ScottWWright @heraldscotland Article: — Herald Business (@_HeraldBusiness) May 7, 2025 The British Beer and Pub Association recently warned that the price of a pint is expected to exceed the £5 mark, up from the current average of £4.80. Breweries are reacting to increases in the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions, which came into effect at the start of April. The National Living Wage rose by 77p an hour to £12.21, while the rate of employer National Insurance contributions increased from 13.8% to 15%. Plus, the threshold at which businesses begin paying this tax was reduced, dropping from £9,100 to £5,000 a year. Sir Tim warned: "The risk to the country is people either in the UK or coming from abroad will think that it's too expensive to set up a business in the UK." "Guinness is pretty expensive but we are selling plenty of the stuff. "We have also introduced Jaipur ale, which is more pricey but doing very well. "Our Stella also outsells Bud Light, which is cheaper." The Wetherspoon boss confirmed he remains "very keen" on the idea of opening pubs overseas through the company's rapidly growing franchise business. The pub giant already operates a few franchised pubs on university campuses and seven pubs within Haven Holiday parks. He said: "It's a good sign the holiday parks are doing very well so we think it will do well with people overseas, especially where Brits holiday." Sir Tim added that he is "open to anything," including launching pubs in airports and campsites.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Wetherspoons pint prices to rise by 20p in DAYS as Tim Martin blames Labour Budget tax hikes
THE boss of Wetherspoons has warned the price of a pint will go up by 20p in the coming days as breweries are already pushing through hikes on the back of costs pressures from the Budget. Sir Tim Martin said the government kept heaping pressure on pubs through higher taxes and costs. 1 The latest price hikes follow a similar move in January Credit: AFP The pub industry had already faced demands for higher prices from breweries, which had increased their prices by around 7p per pint in the past week, he revealed. "It means pints in pubs are going to go up by on average 15p to 20p this month", he said. The British Beer and Pub Association recently warned that the price of a pint is expected to exceed the £5 mark, up from the current average of £4.80. Breweries are reacting to increases in the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions, which came into effect at the start of April. The National Living Wage rose by 77p an hour to £12.21, while the rate of employer National Insurance contributions increased from 13.8% to 15%. Plus, the threshold at which businesses begin paying this tax was reduced, dropping from £9,100 to £5,000 a year. Sir Tim warned: "The risk to the country is people either in the UK or coming from abroad will thing that it's too expensive to set up a business in the UK." The latest price hikes follow a similar move in January, when Wetherspoon told The Sun it had raised the prices of certain drinks and meal deals by up to 30p. Despite rising costs, however, the pub chain boss remained confident that customers would stick with their favourite drinks. Sir Tim said: "Guinness is pretty expensive but we are selling plenty of the stuff. Why are so many pubs and bars closing? "We have also introduced Jaipur ale, which is more pricey but doing very well. "Our Stella also outsells Bud Light, which is cheaper." The Wetherspoon boss confirmed he remains "very keen" on the idea of opening pubs overseas through the company's rapidly growing franchise business. The pub giant already operates a few franchised pubs on university campuses and seven pubs within Haven Holiday parks. "It's a good sign the holiday parks are doing very well so we think it will do well with people overseas, especially where Brits holiday." Sir Tim added that he is "open to anything," including launching pubs in airports and campsites. Wetherspoons revealed like-for-like sales had jumped 5.6% in the 13 weeks to April 27 this morning. How can I save money at Wetherspoons? FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day. Check a map - Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other. So if you're planning a pint at a Spoons, it's worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you're settling in at the cheapest. Choose your day - Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights. For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual. Pick-up vouchers - Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled. Get appy - The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table - but you don't need to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Check the date - Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry. It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14. As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival. What else is happening at Wetherspoons? Despite rising cost pressures, Wetherspoon is set to open 15 brand-new pubs in the coming days, following a recent surge in sales. Six locations already have confirmed opening dates, which The Sun can exclusively reveal. Wetherspoon also announced that approximately nine more pubs are expected to open by July 2026. First on the list is The Conister Arms in Douglas, Isle of Man, set to open on Wednesday, May 14. Next is Walham Green at Fulham Broadway, South West London, opening on Tuesday, June 17. The Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire will follow, opening on Wednesday, July 30. On Tuesday, August 26, The Sun Wharf on Tooley Street near London Bridge will welcome punters. The King of Essex in Basildon is scheduled to open on Tuesday, September 23. Finally, a new pub in Merchant Square, Paddington, is also set to open later this summer, though the exact date has yet to be confirmed. Wetherspoon is also launching a new "gourmet" food range from May 14, adding exciting new burgers to its iconic menu. Top of the list is The Big Smoke, a towering burger packed with pulled BBQ beef brisket, American-style cheese, and maple-cured bacon—offering a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Buffalo Burger is sure to be a hit. It features a crispy fried buttermilk chicken breast, tangy blue cheese, fiery naga chilli sauce, and melted American-style cheese. Finally, cheese lovers can indulge in the Cheese Meltdown, a rich and creamy creation loaded with American-style cheese and topped with a blend of melted Emmental and Cheddar sauce.
The Independent
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Wetherspoons plans to open even more pubs after toasting sunny weather
JD Wetherspoon forecasts a "reasonable" full-year outcome despite rising staff costs, boosted by recent sales figures attributed to favourable weather conditions. The pub chain, operating 795 locations across the UK, reported a 5.6 per cent increase in like-for-like sales during the 13 weeks leading up to April 27th. Year-to-date, comparable sales have risen by 5.1 per cent. It now plans to open up in new sites. Chairman Tim Martin acknowledged the impact of good weather on recent trading, but expressed optimism for the financial year's results. He said: 'Bearing in mind that recent trading has been helped by favourable weather, the company anticipates a reasonable outcome for the financial year, notwithstanding previously reported wage and tax increases of approximately £1.2 million per week.' According to The Sun the company is planning pubs in six new locations. These are: Douglas, Isle of Man - May 14 Fulham, SW London - June 17 Kenilworth, Warwickshire - July 30 Tooley Street, London Bridge - August 28 Basildon, Essex - September 23 Merchant Square, Paddington - late summer This follows earlier warnings from the group regarding a £60 million surge in labour costs from April onwards, due to increases in both employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. Mr Martin has cautioned over the impact of the surging wage bill and in January called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cut pub food taxes before the jump in costs linked to last October's Budget. Wetherspoon said total sales in its most recent quarter were up by a more muted 5 per cent and by 4 per cent year to date as it sold off seven venues. Mr Martin said the group was also investing in new staff facilities across 520 pubs, with 49 in the current financial year, including new staff rooms and changing rooms at a cost of around £100,000 per site. He added the chain was trialling a new gourmet burger deal, which he said has 'proved extremely popular'.
