UK hospitality group KERB has today revealed how its innovative business has successfully enabled food entrepreneurs to succeed.
The pioneering London based company, which nurtured Pizza Pilgrims, Club Mexicana and many more, has released its 2024 impact report showing how street food businesses have made millions with their support.
Research shows how 60% of new, small businesses fail within the first year but in new figures KERB’s programmes boast an impressive 93% success rate.
KERB’s free inKERBator programme, the company’s support programme, supports early stage street food businesses with many of the graduates taking spots at KERB’s flagship food hall Seven Dials Market and at events across the country.
KERB’s 2024 Impact Report, which marks a significant milestone to transform the hospitality industry reveals:
- 60% of new small businesses fail within the first year, but in new figures KERB’s programmes boast an impressive 93% success rate
- KERB has seen 37 new graduates of their inKERBator programme in the past twelve months, many going on to viral fame
- Over 1850 hours of free 1-2-1 business and employment coaching have been delivered
- More than 5500 trading opportunities have been given to KERB’s membership of 150 independent businesses, generating over £23.5 million in revenue over the past 12 months
- Almost £150k in start-up capital has been invested into 19 new food businesses
- 49 brick and mortar sites now owned by successful KERB businesses
KERB CEO Simon Mitchell, said: “Our social enterprise, KERB+ was launched a little over twelve months ago and has enabled us to fully commit to delivering support to individuals and businesses through KERB’s unique ecosystem. This year KERB goes global. As we expand into Europe and the US, our goal is to replicate the impact we can have locally, and double down on our efforts. With the right partners and our team’s unfaltering desire to make a difference, the sky’s the limit!”
The report demonstrates KERB’s mission to become a catalyst for positive change, addressing critical challenges and setting new standards for social impact in the sector.
The UK hospitality industry, valued at £49.4 billion and employing over 2.5 million people, faces significant challenges including high business failure rates, youth unemployment, and barriers to entry for marginalised groups. As a sector renowned for its potential to drive economic and social progress, the hospitality industry is at a pivotal point where innovative solutions are essential.
Founded in 2012 as a single pop-up market on a King’s Cross building site, KERB has grown into a vibrant community of over 150+ dynamic street food businesses, a flagship food hall (Seven Dials Market), events business, and a dedicated social enterprise (KERB+). Through these initiatives, KERB is tackling some of the industry’s most pressing issues head-on.
KERB is dedicated to delivering positive social impact through various initiatives across London and beyond. By collaborating with impact partners, and social enterprise, KERB+ creates pathways into work and business, offering free coaching, incubation, and acceleration programmes for small independent businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, youth unemployment, refugee status, and reintegration after incarceration.
To date, over 500 food businesses have thrived under KERB’s mentorship, including prestigious alumni such as Bleecker Burger, Bao, Pizza Pilgrims, Club Mexicana and more.