UK-founded businesses such as Pret A Manger that “fail to focus abroad” are being “punished”, said Knoops CEO
William Gordon-Harris.

Taking to the social media platform LinkedIn, the British chocolate café chain and retailer’s chief executive criticised the lack of support for UK-focused businesses, warning that it is holding back domestic growth.

Gordon-Harris said it was “disappointing” to see weak UK growth figures in July, and that many UK-founded brands are being forced to expand internationally, “where both the capital and investor interest lie”.

Calling it a “sad fact”, he pointed to café chain Pret’s recent write down in value, adding “consider that 75% of its income is still derived from the UK 25 years after opening its first international store.”

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“This punishment for having a UK focus is a disaster for domestic UK growth,” he said, before questioning “why a fast-growing brand potentially employing hundreds of new staff each year would focus on the UK.”

The CEO’s comments follow Pret-owner JAB Holding in June eyeing bringing in new investors ahead of a possible stock market listing for the sandwich and coffee chain.

Speaking at the time, JAB said it is “not currently” selling any shares in Pret, however added: “As we move closer to a potential IPO, we may evaluate bringing on a pre-IPO investor.”

Last week, Pret began trialling a new meal deal formats across its UK stores in the final quarter of 2025, offering combinations such as a croissant with a drink or a sandwich, drink, and crisps.