The FINANCIAL -- Competition among pub chains has remained fierce following Christmas, with several operators offering or extending keenly-priced food deals, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

THE financial -- Improved weather over Christmas has helped pub and casual dining giant Mitchells & Butlers record a 6.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the nine weeks to 21 January, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

The FINANCIAL -- Scottish and Irish suppliers of hand-dived scallops, used in fine dining restaurants across the country, are at risk of going out of business because of draconian EU regulations, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

The FINANCIAL -- Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company has become the first leased pub group to commit all its business development managers to a BIIAB-approved BDM training programme, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

The FINANCIAL -- JetBlue reported record fourth quarter operating revenues of $1.15 billion.For the full year, operating revenues totaled $4.50 billion, representing an increase of 19.2% over operating revenues of $3.78 billion for the full year 2010, according to  JetBlue Airways.