Northern-based operators to speak at next month's R200 Conference in Manchester

The free-to-attend half day conference​​ is being held on 19 March at The Alan Hotel in Manchester and will focus on the north’s burgeoning restaurant scene with input from some of the sector’s leading protagonists.

Speakers at the event include Marcello di Stefano, managing director of successful premium casual Italian dining group San Carlo, on its national and international expansion and running one of the UK’s largest family-owned restaurant groups; Neal Bates, managing director at fast-growing Manchester-born pizzeria Rudy’s on its growth so far, the brand’s move into the capital, and what’s in store in 2024 and beyond; and Gusto Italian CEO Matt Snell, who will be discussing why the Italian restaurant group is looking at how it can reinvent its loyalty programme.

Ted Schama, partner at property expert Shelley Sandzer, will run the rule over Manchester’s property landscape and discusses where the opportunities in the city lie; Mark Flanagan, CEO of Shield Safety and Safe to Trade, will address the changing landscape of food safety in hospitality; and Manchester hospitality expert and consultant Thom Hetherington will take a look at why Manchester’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the country.

The event will also have a panel featuring Maray founders James Bates and Thomas White; and Matt Farrell from GSG Hospitality; and another featuring London restaurateurs looking to make their first move into Manchester.

The speaking part of the day will be followed by an industry lunch at one of the city’s leading restaurants.

R200 is Restaurant’s exclusive club for multi-site operators that is sponsored by Chapman Ventilation, Zonal, Iconic, Quorn Pro, Shelley Sandzer, Shield Safety, Victoria Malaga, Poppleston Allen, Access Acetol, and Tripleseat.

For more information and to register your interest in attending the free event, click here​​.