Zonal, the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider, announces the appointment of Joel Chapman as Chief Executive Officer, effective from July 2026, ahead of its next stage of growth.

The appointment comes at a time of stability and investment for the business, which was acquired by Volaris Group, a division of Constellation Software, one of the world’s largest software firms, earlier this year. The deal brings a new permanent home and long-term backing for Zonal, heralding an exciting new era, with plans to accelerate development and further strengthen the platforms its customers depend on.

Joel has been part of Zonal since 2002 and brings more than two decades of hospitality technology experience to the role. He is a safe pair of hands for the business and for its customers, having joined the board in 2020 as Chief Customer Officer and played a central role in shaping how Zonal serves the hospitality sector.

The rest of the leadership team will remain in place, as the business continues to operate as it always has, with the same people, knowledge of the hospitality sector, values, and commitment to its customers.

Joel Chapman, CEO at Zonal, said: “I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of Zonal, a company I joined in 2002 and to which I remain deeply committed.

“As CEO, my role is to guide our future direction by listening closely to our customers and to our people, ensuring we continue to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider. With the backing of Volaris, I am looking forward to leading Zonal into this next chapter of its 45-year journey.”

Jesper Ulsted, Portfolio Leader at Volaris Group, comments: “We are delighted to appoint Joel Chapman the new CEO of Zonal. Following our acquisition of the business earlier this year, we spent time getting to know him and the team and are confident he is the person best placed to take the business forward.

“I’m especially pleased that we have been able to find such a strong candidate from within Zonal itself. It is another testament to Volaris’ dedication to developing talent and future leaders from within the businesses we acquire.

“Joel knows the business, its customers and its people inside out and he brings an experienced and steady hand to the role, as we look ahead with confidence to the future for Zonal.”

For more information, images, or to arrange an interview with Zonal, please contact Fleet Street Communications via zonal@fleetstreetagency.com

About Zonal

Zonal is the UK’s leading hospitality technology provider, trusted by the country’s largest pub, restaurant and hotel operators. With 45 years of UK hospitality expertise, a fully connected technology ecosystem and always-on, human-led support, Zonal gives complex, multi-site operators the clarity, control and confidence to run every site at its best.

Consumers are more than twice as likely to choose their local (34%) over travelling to other venues (17%)

The latest GO Technology report from leading hospitality tech provider Zonal, in partnership with NIQ, shows that 34% of consumers planning to tune in to the World Cup will do so from their local pub, bar or hospitality venue, with a total of 9.3m British consumers planning to watch at least one game in a pub, bar or restaurant this summer.

The new report demonstrates also how watching sport in pubs and bars is changing, becoming a more inclusive experience, with 79% of men and 77% of women who are looking to watch the World Cup in hospitality planning to watch the final in a venue.

The survey, of over 5,000 consumers, asked what the appeal of watching the World Cup in the pub is.

Half (50%) said it’s because it will provide a good social experience.

46% said it was because the atmosphere is better than at home.

38% said it’s because they want to buy drinks while watching a game.

24% think watching in a venue is the next best thing to being in a stadium.

This highlights the size of the opportunity for operators who get it right this summer, a crucial trading period for the sector.

When those planning to watch the World Cup in a venue were asked what would encourage them to visit and improve the experience, consumers were clear with (32%) saying it was the ability to book a table in advance, (31%) saying the ability to order food and drinks to the table and, for just under a quarter (22%), it was access to loyalty schemes. The right tech systems will therefore give operators a competitive edge during busy match days and play a pivotal role in motivating consumers to visit a pub or bar during the tournament.

Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer, Zonal, said: “Major sporting tournaments like the World Cup are a huge opportunity for hospitality operators. Our survey shows that people want to make the most of the atmosphere and food and drink on offer, not stand in queues waiting for tables or hanging around the bar waiting to be served. Whether it’s securing a table before arrival with a booking, or ordering food and drink direct to their tables so they don’t miss out on any of the action, operators with robust tech systems can deliver a seamless experience World Cup watchers expect.”

Karl Chessell, Director – Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA, NIQ, adds: “World Cups can be bonanzas for hospitality operators and drinks suppliers. Businesses need to know exactly who is going out and what they want. But above all it’s vital to understand why people swap the sofa for pubs and bars. Hospitality provides a unique way to experience big occasions with others, and the challenge is to show people that this is where the best memories of landmark events like the World Cup can be made.”

New insight from leading hospitality technology provider, Zonal, reveals an early surge in bookings for the first England match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with reservations in pubs rising by +184% compared to a typical trading day.

Across the wider hospitality sector, bookings are also up significantly, increasing by +64% year-on-year.

The spike highlights how live sport continues to drive footfall, with fans choosing to secure their spot early to watch key fixtures in a social setting. This sharp uplift not only reflects the scale of national interest in England games, but also a growing behaviour shift towards pre-booking for major sporting occasions, rather than relying on walk-ins.

The trend isn’t limited to England fixtures alone. Data from the opening match of the tournament on 11th June, Mexico vs South Africa, shows a +51% uplift in overall hospitality bookings, with pubs alone seeing a +63% increase compared to the same date in 2025. This demonstrates the broader appeal of live tournament action in driving early demand across venues.

Much like other key calendar moments, the data suggests that anticipation plays a crucial role, with bookings building momentum in the days leading up to kick-off as fans plan group occasions. For operators, this creates a valuable opportunity to maximise covers, optimise staffing, and enhance the matchday experience.

Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer, Zonal, commented: “Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 continue to be a significant driver of bookings, bringing people together and creating key trading moments for the hospitality sector.”

“With weeks still to go until the first games kick off, and demand set to increase as the event approaches, this early uplift in bookings is a welcome sign for hospitality.”

“The increase we’re seeing demonstrates how important it is for venues to plan ahead and capitalise on demand, ensuring they can deliver a great experience while maximising capacity.”

The latest GO Technology report from leading hospitality tech provider Zonal, in partnership with NielsenIQ, reveals a growing consumer demand for a better balance between human connection and digital solutions. Whilst the role technology plays in a seamless visit is recognised, the importance of personal interaction is rising – highlighting the need for operators to blend the two, with a well-trained team of staff.

More than half of people (52%) now acknowledge technology has a key role to play in the best hospitality experiences, for example, and the report shows that those who do embrace technology tend to higher value guests, spending an average of £17 extra per month than those who prefer human-led experiences.

Nevertheless, 48% of consumers say human interaction is the most critical factor in a great hospitality experience, which is a marked increase since Zonal published a similar report three years ago and asked the same question. The research therefore demonstrates how striking the perfect balance between tech and personal service is more vital than ever.

Digital solutions can help to make people’s visits more convenient and keep them coming back—which in turn frees up staff to give their attention to less tech-focused guests who value the contact. In fact, when asked about their most wanted improvements in venues – around a quarter of consumers flagged staff training (26%) and staff numbers (24%), given they are such a visible part of the hospitality journey.

The report also looked to find out how much consumer preferences around paying the bill have changed in three years. The insight shows that, while there has been a surge in other payment methods, reports of the death of cash have, thus far at least, been greatly exaggerated:

1. Contactless cards remain dominant – 39% are using them more than three years ago, with only 4% never using them.
2. Cash use continues to fall – 43% use cash less often but older consumers still rely on it, especially for tipping.
3. Mobile payments are growing, but slower than cards – 31% increased usage since 2023, driven mainly by Gen Z (94%).
4. App and QR payments show signs of plateauing – 21% use them more, while 16% use them less than three years ago.
5. ‘Pay and go’ tech adoption is slow – Only 18% are using it more, 41% have never tried it, with strong uptake among Gen Z (80%) compared to Boomers (25%).

Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer, Zonal, said: “This new research puts human interaction at the heart of the guest journey, with nearly half of consumers thinking interactions with staff are what deliver the best experiences. At the same time, technology does have an important role to play in supporting the delivery of these experiences – with 52% of consumers recognising its contribution to delivering high-quality experiences in hospitality. We know that technology plays a recognised role in helping operators deliver great guest experiences by enabling teams to spend more time with customers. This perfect blend of human interaction and seamless, accessible technology – removing friction and enhancing convenience – is what guests now expect.”

Karl Chessell, Director – Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA, NIQ, said: “In a tough trading environment, this research is a useful reminder of the importance of both human interactions and digital solutions in hospitality. It shows how technology has become deeply embedded in consumers’ eating and drinking out habits, but it also highlights the enduring love for the personal touches that make pubs, bars and restaurants such special places.

Ultimately of course, this is not a zero-sum game. Very few people want their visits to be completely free of either personal contact or technology. Instead, operators need to identify the best places to deploy tech and spot the moments where personal connections are best. Flexibility is crucial too, and it’s the venues that can cater for all preferences—especially at the ordering, paying and tipping stages—that will be best placed to succeed in the years ahead.”

UK hospitality technology provider, Zonal, which supports many of the sector’s biggest bar, restaurant, and hotel companies, has been acquired by Volaris Group, an established ‘buy-and-hold’ software and technology group headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

This acquisition by Volaris heralds an exciting new era for Zonal – technology provider of choice for an array of companies across the UK hospitality and leisure sector. Its customers include Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers and Pizza Express. The backing by Volaris Group creates opportunities to accelerate Zonal’s next-generation software, while maintaining Zonal as an autonomous and independent subsidiary of the Group.

Volaris is a strategic and long-term technology investor, operating a “buy-and-keep” philosophy, which means they are committed owners to the business and dedicated to Zonal’s success in the long-term.

The acquisition will see Zonal CEO and shareholder Stuart McLean step down from the business.

Commenting, McLean said: “We saw in Volaris a genuine long-term home for Zonal. Just as importantly, we also recognised the significant opportunity for Zonal to accelerate forward in its development, and for both the company and the team to grow and develop with it, all the while continuing to put our customers first in everything we do.

“What impressed me most about the Volaris team was a genuine commitment to understanding Zonal and our culture – not just the financials and our products – but as a people-led, customer-first business.

“Building and leading this company has been the privilege of my life but this is a truly great opportunity for Zonal and our customers. I look forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength and will be cheering everyone on from the sidelines.”

Commenting on the transition, Jesper Ulsted, Portfolio Leader at Volaris Group, said: “We are excited to welcome Zonal to the Volaris family. Its strong brand, innovative technology, and customer-centric culture make it a great fit for our portfolio.

“The McLean family have built and nurtured the Zonal business and, under the stewardship of Stuart McLean, it has become a widely-admired technology company in the UK hospitality sector. We look forward to supporting Zonal as it continues to deliver exceptional solutions to its customers and to pursue further opportunities for growth.”

We are proud to announce that Zonal Hotel Solutions has received the Reseller Partner of the Year award at the 2025 SiteMinder Partner Awards, selected from a global network of more than 2,350 partners.

The awards celebrate partners who go above and beyond for their customers and communities. The integration with SiteMinder means that rooms, rates and availability are updated in real time across leading OTA channels and our Booking Engine, ensuring accuracy and preventing overbookings. Every booking flows directly into Zonal’s PMS, giving hoteliers confidence and control.

Reflecting on the achievement, Stuart Derricott, Sales Director at Zonal Hotel Solutions, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised as SiteMinder’s Reseller of the Year. Our partnership ensures hotels benefit from seamless connectivity and smarter distribution, and this recognition is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

For more info on Zonal’s hotel management software, click here.

Diners ditched dinner and large group bookings this Easter weekend, new insights from leading hospitality technology provider, Zonal, show.

The data shows that nearly half (44%) of all bookings made during lunchtime hours over the long weekend happened on Easter Sunday, with lunch making up 60% of total reservations on that day.

Across the four-day weekend, lunch remained the most popular time to dine on Sunday and Monday, comprising 56% of all bookings compared to just 28% for dinner.

In contrast, dinner proved to be more popular on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, making up 44% of bookings made on those days, compared to only 34% for lunch.

The data also revealed that experiences with fewer diners were favoured over larger group gatherings, with bookings for two people making up 33% of all reservations across the Easter weekend.

Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer at Zonal, commented: “This Easter weekend, lunch clearly led the way in dining preferences, particularly on Sunday and Monday, when it accounted for 56% of bookings compared to just 28% for dinner.

“Unlike other celebratory events that are often associated with evening socialising and late-night gatherings, Easter typically emphasises daytime activities, such as family lunches, egg hunts, and community events. As a result, many chose to dine out earlier in the day, reinforcing lunch as the dominant mealtime.”

The number of guests booking more than a week in advance to celebrate Mother’s Sunday rose 10%

New insight from Zonal reveals a rise in bookings for Mother’s Day, driven by a notable increase in organised consumers making reservations further in advance.

Bookings made more than a week ahead were up by 10%, reflecting a growing trend of consumers forward planning for special occasions or events. Zonal research from earlier this year, revealed advance bookings (those made more than a week ahead) for the opening match of the Guinness Six Nations rugby tournament were up nearly 40% on the comparable period for 2024.

Lunch continued to be the most popular dining session for Mother’s Day celebrations, accounting for over half (59%) of all bookings, followed by dinner reservations, which made up 29% of all bookings. Potentially reflecting a growing preference for earlier dining times, bookings before 7pm accounted for the vast majority of total bookings (91%).

Tim Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer, Zonal, commented: “The rise in early bookings for Mother’s Day highlights a clear shift in consumer behaviour, with guests increasingly planning their celebrations in advance and favouring lunch as the main event of the day.

“For operators, this offers a valuable opportunity to plan ahead for next year – by engaging guests early, promotions around quieter times, and ensuring they’re prepared to meet the demand. Capitalising on the growing trend for early lunch bookings will allow operators to optimise service, elevate the guest experience, and drive revenue growth during this key occasion.”