Naveen Handa acquires East Coast Concepts out of administration

An investment group led by Naveen Handa of leisure company The Cairn Group has acquired restaurant and bar group East Coast Concepts out of administration. The Manchester-based restaurant and bar group, which operates the Neighbourhood and Victors brands, has five sites across the UK, including Hale, Alderley Edge, Liverpool, Leeds and Oxford. The company has been working with specialist business advisory firm FRP in recent months to help navigate through the impact of the pandemic and secure a long-term future for the group. Ben Woolrych and Anthony Collier of FRP were appointed as joint administrators of Victors Restaurants Ltd and East Coast Concepts Ltd on 1st September 2020. On appointment the joint administrators completed the pre-pack sale of the business and assets to the investment group. The deal protects more than 250 jobs and all existing Neighbourhood and Victors sites will continue trading as normal. Handa also recently led a consortium to become the new joint venture partners for London and UK Franchisees of Vapiano Restaurants. John Hammond, MD at East Coast Concepts, said: “Since opening our doors in 2012, every member of the business has worked hard to establish strong brands and create an experience that our guests love. “We have significantly exceeded sales and profit targets since reopening our doors in July following lockdown whilst delivering an industry leading net promoter score, with 25% year-on-year growth in the final week in August including the bank holiday weekend.” He added: ““This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the business and will enable us to embark on the next phase of growth, with an investor which really sees the value in the brands we have created. I’d like to thank everyone across the business and other key stakeholders for their ongoing support.” Handa, The Cairn Group director, said: “We are delighted to have been able to secure the long-term future of East Coast Concepts, and its much-loved Neighbourhood and Victors brands, as well as the jobs of over 250 staff throughout the sites and head office. “Moving forward we see great potential for premium, experiential and well differentiated brands and will be focused on supporting the existing management team, whilst investing in the brands and it’s people to help realise the exciting growth potential.”