Business | Business News‘Projector’ Luke Johnson increases his appetite for cake shops Projector: Luke Johnson (right) is chairman of Patisserie Holdings', while Paul May is chief executive (Picture: Patisserie Holdings)Patisserie HoldingsJamie Dunkley20 May 2015Serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson has said he plans to open another 150 coffee and cake shops across the country over the next five years. The self-entitled “projector” — a 17th century term for a man involved in many different businesses — floated bakery chain Patisserie Holdings on London’s junior AIM market last year at 170p a share.These have since soared and rose a further 4% to 291.5p as the company’s pre-tax profits hit £7 million in the six months ending March 31, compared to £4.8 million last year.As well as the calorific Patisserie Valerie, the group’s other brands include sandwich retailer Philpotts. Johnson described the upcoming referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union as a “good piece of democracy”.Read MoreBusiness leaders clash over Britain's future role in the European UnionPatisserie Valerie to rival hotels with afternoon teaPatisserie Valerie owner to float in London“If the Government can achieve some sensible reforms then I think people will back the status quo,” he added.“If we did leave businesses could benefit from lighter regulation and freedom from some of the red tape they have to deal with.”
