Boxpark names new COO ahead of Boxhall expansion

Boxpark has named Ben McLaughlin as its chief operating officer as it focuses on developing its sister concept Boxhall.

McLaughlin joined the group as operations manager in 2018 and previously worked as area manager for Stonegate Pub Company.

Boxpark, a dining and retail concept made up of shipping containers founded in 2010, operates sites in London’s Shoreditch, Croydon (pictured) and Wembley. It 2019 it announced plans to open a further 10 sites nationwide by 2024, with the launch of two new concepts.

Boxhall is based around smaller 10,000-20,000 sq ft food and beverage destinations opening in existing city centre sites such as retail, office, nightclub or theatre venues across the UK. Each location will feature between six and 12 street food vendors.

The company also announced a Boxoffice concept, which would see co-working spaces incorporated into new Boxpark locations. Last summer the group introduced dedicate workspaces into its Croydon and Wembley halls as an alternative to home working.

Boxpark chief executive and founder Roger Wade said: “As Covid-19 continues to impact the hospitality industry, we can only hope to remain positive and use this time to focus on our future plans.

“I am delighted to confirm Ben McLaughlin’s new position as COO – he is an extremely valued member of the team and has brought fantastic insights into the business since joining three years ago. I have no doubt he will continue to deliver great results at Boxpark as we evolve.”

David Gough, former operations director at the Stable Bar & Restaurants, was appointed chief operating officer at Boxpark in 2020 but recently left the business.

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