Arc Inspirations, the award-winning bar group, has announced two new additions to its Board, with the appointment of a new CFO, Ciara Allan, and the promotion of Laura Lewis to Marketing Director.
Allan, who will join the Martin Wolstencroft-led business this September to drive financial growth of the business, brings a wealth of experience operating in privately owned and private equity-backed businesses across a multitude of sectors.
Having previously led the sale of Cooplands Bakery to EG Group and more recently supporting shareholders on the asset sale of the Woven Group, Ciara joins amid a transformational period of growth for Arc Inspirations as the company looks to expand its footprint, funded by a £19m investment from BGF. She replaces Tim Knockton who leaves Arc Inspirations to pursue opportunities outside of the group.
In addition, after three years with Arc as Head of Marketing, Laura Lewis has been promoted to the Board as Marketing Director, as the team gears up for its next stage of growth. With the group set to develop and open at least four flagship venues over the next 12 months, the two new appointees will join Wolstencroft, Managing Director Anni Opong and Property Director Nik Lowery on the group’s main Board, working to promote and strengthen the group’s distinctive bar brands and unique customer experience.
Commenting, Arc Inspirations co-founder and CEO, Martin Wolstencroft said: “We’re thrilled to be adding two fantastic leaders to our board. Ciara has vast experience as a CFO and as a leader who has defined and driven the financial strategy of highly successful businesses, including working with BGF, and I have no doubt she will be a great asset to Arc during what is a very exciting period of growth for the business.
“Laura’s promotion is richly deserved. Since joining us, she has built a great team and shown an unrelenting dedication and commitment to Arc. She has been an instrumental driver in promoting our brand values and we are excited to welcome her to our Board.
“I would also like to thank Tim Knockton, who has been a valuable member of the senior leadership team. Tim played a key role in helping Arc navigate the challenges of the pandemic and in securing investment from BGF, and we wish him well for the future.”
Arc Inspirations operates 19 premium bars across the Midlands and the North of England, under the brands of Banyan Bar & Kitchen, BOX and Manahatta. The business posted record revenues for its most recent financial year (year ending 31st March 2022), and recently launched its largest BOX venue to date, in Brindleyplace, Birmingham. The company is planning to open at least four more sites in a ‘transformational’ next twelve months including Box in Nottingham, and Manahatta in Newcastle, with their ambition to open 50 sites by 2030.
To supplement a year of significant growth, Arc is also investing record amounts in its people, with the announcement of its first ever company-wide summer party. Arc In The Park will take place in a secret location on July 4th, with all 19 sites closing for the day, giving more than 1,000 team members the chance to enjoy an exclusive, unforgettable festival experience, with drinks and music set to be provided courtesy of suppliers and partners.
