Methodology

Cost reporting is based on published wholesale indices and trade body surveys, with the measurement period stated. We do not construct our own price indices and we do not estimate figures that a source has not published.

Opening and closure coverage draws on operator statements, commercial property filings and planning or licensing papers. Where a lease term or fit out cost is quoted, it comes from one of those documents rather than from an estimate.

Labour reporting uses named survey sources and states the sample basis where it is published. Pay figures are attributed, never modelled.