Loch Fyne looks to Middle East for expansion

Loch Fyne is looking to launch overseas, according to its chief executive Mark Derry.

Speaking at a seminar at Hotelympia last week, Derry said: "We are in the process of signing an international licence in the Middle East.

"We're also studying the event-catering market, as extending our brand into this sector would be a bit of a no brainer."

Loch Fyne, which continues to grow organically in the UK, plans to open seven new sites this year and at least a couple of Le Petit Blanc brasseries.

Asked if an initial public offering was on the cards, Derry said that there was no immediate rush, as he felt the company was still too small.

"The team would then spend all its time looking after investors and not customers,"
he added.

The company has 25 Loch Fyne Restaurants and five Le Petit Blanc brasseries.