Rank Group is to open its first Hard Rock branded casino in Manchester having received approval for the licence. The move is part of chief executive Mike Smith's drive to focus on the gaming business, described as 'the strongest' of all its business in a trading statement just released. Though the group has not yet published its figures, trading for the three months to 1 April 2001 is line with expectations and 'substantially ahead of last year' following the large-scale paring down of the business in 2000. The Hard Rock casino, adjacent to the existing Manchester site at the Printworks development, will be the first Rank-owned and operated Hard Rock casino facility. In January, Rank signed contracts to open two Hard Rock-branded casinos on Indian reservations in Florida, to be owned by the tribe. Manchester's Hard Rock casino is expected to open towards the end of 2001.