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Apollo3D urges pubs to use virtual tours for World Cup

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SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO

News Editor

Apollo3D has urged UK pubs and bars to adopt virtual mapping tools ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, as uptake of virtual tours among hospitality venues rises. The Leeds company said demand is up 50 per cent on a year earlier.

It has been working with operators including Greene King pubs in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as Ossett Brewery in Wakefield, as venues prepare for higher demand during the tournament. Apollo3D has also produced tours for several pubs on the Otley Run in Headingley and wants to create a video tour covering all 18 stops on the Leeds pub crawl.

The push comes as hospitality operators look for ways to attract match-day bookings in a difficult trading environment. Rising energy bills, higher business rates and broader economic pressure continue to squeeze margins across the sector, while closures remain a concern for businesses operating on thin profit lines.

Around half of Apollo3D’s current work now comes from venues seeking to increase visitor numbers. Its recently launched Infinity Virtual Tours platform is also attracting interest from theatres, stadiums and cinemas in overseas markets.

The tours let customers view a venue online before visiting, highlighting features such as large screens, private hire areas, outdoor spaces and premium seating. The platform can also link multiple locations and give operators data on which parts of a space attract the most viewer attention.

For pubs screening major football matches, the sales opportunity can be significant. Apollo3D cited figures showing that England games can lift pub sales by between 30 per cent and 147 per cent, with a successful tournament potentially adding more than £150 million to the wider hospitality economy.

That is sharpening the focus on how venues present themselves online as fans decide where to watch matches. Operators are trying to turn digital browsing into confirmed bookings, particularly for high-demand fixtures where groups may choose venues well in advance.

Rob Wilyman outlined the company’s view of the opportunity for the trade.

“The World Cup always brings a huge opportunity for pubs and hospitality venues, but competition is fierce. Customers want to know exactly what they are getting before they commit to a venue, especially for major fixtures. Virtual mapping gives venues a powerful way to present their space and secure bookings early,” said Rob Wilyman, Director of Apollo3D.

Its virtual walkthroughs can be embedded on venue websites, shared on social media and linked to booking systems, giving potential customers a clearer view of layout, atmosphere and facilities before they make a reservation.

Sector pressure

The hospitality sector has faced a series of cost increases in recent years, leaving many pub and bar operators searching for practical ways to drive footfall and increase spend per visit. Big sporting events can provide a short-term trading boost, but competition for those customers is intense, especially in towns and cities with dense pub markets.

This has helped drive interest in tools that let venues differentiate themselves online. Apollo3D argues that a clearer digital presentation can help venues win group bookings, private events and repeat visits over the course of a tournament.

Mark Shepherd said pressure on operators has made major sporting events more important.

“Pubs have had a challenging few years, so making every major event count is crucial. We have seen firsthand how virtual tours can increase enquiries and event bookings. For a key sporting occasion like the World Cup, where demand peaks quickly, being visible and engaging online can make a real difference,” said Mark Shepherd, Director of Apollo3D.

Wilyman said venues that move early may have an advantage as supporters make plans.

“Venues that invest now in showcasing their offer are more likely to capture group bookings, corporate events and repeat visits throughout the competition. This is all about getting ahead of the curve. The pubs that present themselves best online will be the ones fans choose when it matters most,” he said.



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Rosa’s Thai is giving away 4000 free Pad Thais to students

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Celebrating both GCSE and A-Level Results Days, the chain will offer the popular dish to students who buy one of its bubble teas.

The free offer is available at all 42 Rosa’s Thai restaurants across England and Wales.

To avail of the free noodles, students need to register on Rosa’s Thai website for a unique code, which they should present at the restaurant together with a copy of their results.

Rosa’s Thai has a new range of bubble tea flavours, including Ube-Taro, Matcha-Coconut, Mango Sticky Rice, and Milo Chocolate Milk, as well as favourites like Home-brewed Thai Tea with Tapioca, and Lychee Mango with mango boba.

Students can sign up for their free Pad Thai at rosasthai.com/result-day-free-pad-thai and find their nearest restaurant at rosasthai.com/locations.





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Historic coin company enters administration after 20 years

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The London Mint Office, which distributes commemorative coins and medals, appointed administrators on July 31 after 20 years in business.

The company’s website now displays a message confirming the appointment of Michael Magnay and Jonny Marston of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as joint administrators.

A spokesman for Alvarez and Marsal said: “On July 31 2026, Michael Magnay and Jonny Marston of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of The London Mint Office Limited in administration (the “Company”).

“Regrettably, the Company’s liquidity challenges have led to a number of immediate redundancies. We are supporting the affected employees through the redundancy process.


What Happens When a Company Goes Into Administration?


“The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators who act as agents of the Company and without personal liability.”

The announcement confirms that it is no longer possible to purchase coins or medals through the company’s website.

The London Mint Office operates a distribution centre in Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, where it employs a significant number of people.

Administration is a formal insolvency process triggered when a business cannot meet its financial obligations.

An insolvency practitioner is appointed to manage the company’s affairs and may attempt to restructure the business or sell off assets to repay creditors.


What happens when a company goes into Liquidation?


Founded in 2006, The London Mint Office describes itself as “one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of historic, commemorative, and collector coins.”

It is part of Samlerhuset AS, a Norwegian company based near Oslo and one of Europe’s largest distributors of commemorative coins and medals.

Samlerhuset’s website states that it offers “provide a wide range of coins from ancient to modern, originating from virtually every country in the world.”

The London Mint Office has advised anyone with an interest in the company’s assets to contact the administrators at INS_THLMOL@alvarezandmarsal.com.





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Warning of new rules for Aldi and Lidl after watchdog review

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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally decided that both discounters should be added to the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010, which currently applies to Asda, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.

This order is designed to prevent large grocery retailers from using land agreements to block competitors from opening nearby stores, often through restrictive covenants or exclusivity terms.

Juliette Enser, executive director of competition enforcement and markets at the CMA, said: “We want everyone to have the best choice of supermarket and range of prices when buying their groceries.

“To ensure this happens, we put rules in place to prevent big supermarket chains blocking rival stores from opening nearby – and now we propose applying those rules to Aldi and Lidl too.

“This is about allowing shoppers to choose where they spend their money and levelling the playing field for all major supermarkets.

“Today’s proposals are provisional and we welcome views before deciding the best way forward.”

The CMA’s review found that Aldi, Lidl GB, and Lidl NI now meet the criteria of ‘Large Grocery Retailers’ (LGRs) due to their store footprint, nationwide presence, procurement model, and the breadth of their grocery range.

Aldi and Lidl were originally excluded from the 2010 order as ‘limited assortment discounters’, offering a smaller selection of products compared to traditional supermarkets.

However, the CMA’s provisional findings indicate that this is no longer the case.

All three now operate large grocery stores, each with more than 1,000 square metres of shop floor space, and offer a full range of products, though with less category choice than some competitors.

They also purchase goods directly from suppliers through integrated wholesaling.

With the UK grocery market estimated to be worth £215 billion, Aldi and Lidl are now ranked among the top five retailers by market share.

The CMA is seeking feedback from stakeholders before reaching a final decision.

Aldi and Lidl could join the other supermarket chains later this year.

The CMA is inviting views until 5pm on Monday, September 7, 2026, and will issue its final decision in the autumn after reviewing responses.

If the discounters are included under the order, they will be prevented from using land agreements to limit competition from other supermarket chains.

The CMA aims to ensure competition across the grocery sector to give shoppers more choice and competitive pricing by removing obstacles to new store openings.





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