A family business since 1982

Our Story

About us

A family group, built on standards.

Founded in 1982, SME Group Plc is a family-owned operator in hospitality, retail and property. What began as a single London venture is now a nationwide group of 100+ branded units.

Built on entrepreneurial spirit and strong family values, we partner with some of the world’s most recognised brand owners — Yum! Brands (KFC and Pizza Hut), Costa Coffee, IHG and Choice Hotels (Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn), and IWG (Regus) — delivering high standards and memorable experiences across the UK.

Four decades on, the group remains family-led, guided by the same care and long-term thinking that shaped it from the start.

What we stand for

Our Values

Four principles that have guided the group since 1982 and shape how we operate every day.

Care

Looking after our people, our guests and the communities we serve.

Commitment

Consistent standards and dependable delivery across every brand.

Sustainability

Operating responsibly and reducing our impact as the group grows.

Impact

Creating lasting value for our partners, teams and neighbourhoods.

Our journey

Four decades of growth

1982

Founded as a family business in London — a single venture built on entrepreneurial spirit.

1989

Began our journey into the hospitality sector, introducing our very first hotel in Hyde Park, London.

2012

Added Holiday Inn (IHG) as the hotel portfolio continued to grow.

Today

100+ branded units across restaurants, hotels, offices and property — around 1,500 people.

One of our KFC teams coming together before service

Our People

Our people are at the heart of the business. We invest in training, development and progression, so every team member can build a rewarding, long-term career with us.

1982
Founded
0
Branded units
0
Team members
5
Sectors

How we operate

The same standard, everywhere we operate.

Five sectors, one operating mindset — consistent, people-led and efficient, whether it’s a restaurant, a hotel or a new development.

Consistent standards

Every site, from a KFC to a Holiday Inn, is run to the same dependable standard, with regular reviews that keep quality high across the group.

Investing in our people

We recruit, train and promote from within, giving teams the support and progression to deliver great service on every shift.

Digital-first & efficient

From self-order kiosks to automated forecasting, we use technology to run leaner, cut waste and keep things smooth for guests.

Owning what we operate

Through our property and development arms, we develop, own and maintain many of the sites our brands trade from — keeping close control of quality.

Inside one of our restaurants — order counter and menu boards Our team at one of our KFC restaurants One of our Holiday Inn hotels at dusk A residential development the group is building