In partnership with Blackstone, Milligan worked alongside the Center Parcs management team to gain full insight into the customer base and then develop a strategic business plan to maximise income generation from food, beverage and retail outlets within each of the four UK Parcs. Following this 12 week consultation and planning process, the Center Parcs board approved the resulting Strategic Plan and a £20 million capital investment commitment to implement the plan in December 2006
The investment programme encompassed a major refurbishment of existing facilities and the development of new F&B outlets which included Center Parcs taking a Franchise from Starbucks for 10 new Coffee stores. Outsourcing a proportion of the F&B activity was a key part of the plan which resulted in the Bella Italia, Strada & Café Rouge brands being introduced to the Parcs. Select Service Partners (SSP) has also developed Gastro pubs at Sherwood and Elveden Forest. Implementing the programme required a close working relationship with the Center Parcs management team.
Additionally, across the Parcs, The Nuance Group introduced six additional fashion & accessory product led stores, with two brand new concepts, Time for Shade, selling watches, costume jewellery and sunglasses and Spirit, an outdoor fashion clothing range.
Due to the skilful work of the in-house management team, more than 80 individual projects were completed within two years.
The ultimate mix of retail and food and beverage concepts is the result of an extensive trawl of the offers available in the market, a detailed tender process for the outsourced elements, a general upgrading of the existing offer and Center Parcs taking a franchise in their own right.
Our work at Center Parcs has contributed towards a substantial reduction in working capital, growth in sales, a clearly differentiated Retail and F&B offer which is more aligned to consumer needs, and a partially out-sourced business model with full commercial concession agreements in place.
The Milligan team, working with management, has created enhanced future value for Center Parcs.
Milligan – Inspiring Retail and Food & Beverage!