Rapidly-growing Bristol-based take-away chain Hotcha has appointed James Benson, a widely-experienced financial director, to help steer its fast-paced expansion.
James will work closely with Hotcha founder James Liang to help spearhead the roll out of 300 stores across the UK over the next five years.
Hotcha is the UK’s only Chinese takeaway chain.
James, of the FD Centre, has a proven record of achievement in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), manufacturing and retail sectors gained in both listed and private companies.
As part of the FD Centre he provided hands-on commercial finance director support to small and medium-sized businesses across various sectors, working successfully with and supporting management teams in the strategic and day-to-day management as they grow their business.
James, who has worked with car retail chain Inchcape, drinks giant Allied Domecq and specialist software firm Rolfe & Nolan, said: “I am delighted to join this young and extremely exciting business and look forward to using my experience and knowledge of working with fledging companies to help it meet its target of rapid expansion.
“With the food and leisure industries on the up, despite difficult economic times, I am confident that Hotcha will meet the requirements needed to become one of the UK’s best-known brands in the not too distant future.”
The ambitious chain, founded in Bristol just a year ago, already has seven outlets in the South West, with others set to open along the M4 corridor over the next three months.
James Liang said: “These are seriously exciting times for Hotcha. We have ambitious growth plans and aim to be the number one takeaway chain in the UK in the next few years.
“I am delighted to welcome James to the fold and looking forward to working with him as we look to realise our ambitions as a business over the coming years.”
Hotcha employs more than 70 people and the new openings will create a further 130 jobs in the South West this year.
Pictured: James Benson, right, with Hotcha founder James Liang
