Italian restaurant chain Prezzo today posted a 23% hike in profits after it added 32 new sites and weathered testing consumer conditions.

Peter Gill has resigned as finance director of Mecca bingo and Grosvenor casinos operator Rank.

Model train firm Hornby has issued a profits warning after supply chain problems and softening UK demand hit sales.

The list of bidders for All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers narrowed this morning after rival group Punch Taverns withdrew its merger proposal.

Inspired Gaming said it is conducting a thorough strategic review of its pubs division.

Private equity group Patron has taken a 29% stake in five-a-side football club operator Powerleague. It will provide access to a property portfolio that should accelerate expansion in the UK and overseas.

Sports Direct said it is confident of meeting analysts' revised full-year earnings forecast of £148 million.

Demand for meals is rising at pubs chain JD Wetherspoon, but food price inflation has become a serious concern.

Bingo trading has picked up but gaming group Rank is still negative on trading prospects for 2008. The faint glisten of hope could be the catalyst for takeover speculation to become a reality.

High rollers have fueled a sharp rise in telephone betting at Britain's biggest bookmaker, Ladbrokes.