KERB, the pioneering London-based hospitality group known for nurturing successful food ventures like Pizza Pilgrims and Club Mexicana, has unveiled its 2024 Impact Report.
The report highlights the company’s impressive track record in supporting street food businesses and fostering entrepreneurial success.
KERB’s programmes have achieved a remarkable 93% success rate, a significant feat considering that 60% of new small businesses typically fail within their first year. Over the past twelve months, 37 new graduates from KERB’s free inKERBator programme have launched their businesses, with many achieving viral fame.
The company has provided over 1850 hours of free one-on-one business and employment coaching, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and running a food business. More than 5500 trading opportunities have been offered to KERB’s membership of 150 independent businesses, generating over £23.5 million in revenue in the past year. In addition, nearly £150,000 in start-up capital has been invested into 19 new food businesses, and 49 brick-and-mortar sites are now owned by successful KERB businesses.
Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB, commented on the achievements, stating, “Our social enterprise, KERB+, launched just over twelve months ago, enabling us to deliver comprehensive 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 our local impact on a global scale, doubling down on our efforts with the right partners and our team’s unfaltering desire to make a difference.”
Founded in 2012 as a single pop-up market on a King’s Cross building site, KERB has since evolved into a vibrant community of over 150 dynamic street food businesses. It includes a flagship food hall (Seven Dials Market), an events business, and a dedicated social enterprise (KERB+). These initiatives are central to KERB’s mission to address critical challenges in the hospitality industry and set new standards for social impact.
The UK hospitality industry, valued at £49.4 billion and employing over 2.5 million people, faces significant challenges such as high business failure rates, youth unemployment, and barriers to entry for marginalized groups. KERB is committed to tackling these issues head-on through various initiatives, including free coaching, incubation, and acceleration programmes for small independent businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. These programmes particularly support individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, youth unemployment, refugee status, and reintegration after incarceration.
KERB’s mentorship has helped over 500 food businesses thrive, with prestigious alumni including Bleecker Burger, Bao, Pizza Pilgrims, and Club Mexicana. As KERB expands its reach internationally, it aims to continue driving positive change in the hospitality sector, leveraging its successful model to support more entrepreneurs and create significant social and economic impacts.
