Buzzworks reviews successful 2016 & reveals expansion plans for this year

As the dust settles on 2016, award-winning hospitality group Buzzworks Holdings has lots to celebrate as it reviews the last 12 months.

Recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For’ in the UK – one of only three Scottish companies to achieve a place on the list – along with opening their ninth venue, The Corner House in Kilwinning, 2016 has been a successful year for the group, despite difficult times within the hospitality industry.

Buzzworks Holdings manages nine prestigious venues including Elliots, Scotts in Troon and Largs, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Treehouse in Ayr, The Longhouse in Kilmarnock, The Mill House in Stewarton and their newest venue The Corner House in Kilwinning. It now has over 400 employees and a turnover of more than £15m in the last financial year.

For entrepreneurs Kenny, Colin and Alison Blair, 2017 will see more of the same hard work go into the company as they look to solidify the brand and continue its meteoric rise as one of Scotland’s fastest growing independent restaurant and bar operators.

Key to their new year plans is the business stepping out of Ayrshire for the first time, bringing its unique and aspirational brand north, starting with Bridge of Weir, in a bold and exciting move for the Prestwick based company.

Work has already begun on a £1m project that will see the dynamic, family run business transform a dilapidated building on Bridge of Weir Main Street into a traditional, stylish bar and restaurant – synonymous with both Buzzworks Holdings and its House brand.

The Coach House, due to open in the summer, will see more than 40 jobs created – both a fantastic boost for the local community and close to the hearts of the business.

Kenny Blair, Buzzworks Holdings MD, (pictured) said, “We are really excited about The Coach House. It will be a stunning venue once complete with a warm, relaxing atmosphere and our unique contemporary twist. What’s more, we will be providing a number of excellent employment opportunities for the local area and beyond.

“Here at Buzzworks we have a real commitment to our staff and invest heavily in providing both a healthy work life balance, along with a pioneering training structure for employees to match their ambitions within the hospitality trade. This has been reflected in our Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For award, which we are incredibly proud of.

“As one of Scotland’s largest hospitality employers, our staff define who we are as a brand, and the company is deeply passionate on creating and fostering an environment where employees can thrive and be the best within the industry.”

With The Coach House set for a summer opening, Buzzworks Holdings will also look to bring their unique and individual style to other areas in Scotland, with two further sites earmarked for 2017.

Blair continued, “Last year was an exciting time for Buzzworks Holdings and as a company we achieved some fantastic results; however we are constantly looking forward and our focus is now on how to make 2017 even more of a success as we expand into more areas of Scotland.

“We will continue to invest heavily in our people and bring them along on this exciting journey, whilst making sure our customers continue to enjoy world class hospitality at each of our venues. With great foundations in place, the next 12 months will be fantastic opportunity for Buzzworks Holdings to cement its place as an industry leader within Scotland.”