Stephen Taylor
Managing Director,
Guy Simmonds
Firstly, I would like to wish all the readers of the Morning Advertiser and our past, present and future clients a happy and prosperous new year!
The national licensed property market has undergone a period of metamorphosis in recent years. I have been at the helm as managing director of Guy Simmonds for approximately 16 years and have been fascinated with the fundamental changes that have taken place, particularly since the Beer Orders.
This year we will, of course, all witness the effects of the smoking ban and subsequent impact upon businesses in the licensed sector. We will find that some businesses may be detrimentally affected whereas the flexible and innovative operators will actually see their turnover and profits increase as a result of the wider marketing appeal to a new, lucrative sector of clientèle.
At Guy Simmonds in 2007, we are finding the market particularly buoyant, providing businesses are marketed at a realistic price. We have just completed the sales of over sixteen freehold and leasehold businesses and urgently require further businesses nationally to replace these sales. Sales include the renowned Blue Bell Inn at Farnah Green, Derbyshire off an asking price of £750,000 freehold.
We have a unique source of funded, quality-purchasing clients who have emanated from our award-winning training course and are anxious to move into the trade. What hasn't changed for us in 2007 is the desire of newcomers to change their lifestyle and careers (usually from the corporate sector) and embark upon a challenging career in the licensed trade. We are also inundated by private investors and corporates looking to purchase freehold businesses, with a view to Guy Simmonds finding them a suitable lessee for their investment.
We have also invested heavily in 2007 by building our own freehold state-of-the-art training and conference centre worth approximately £1/2m. This facility will accommodate over 1,500 annual training and purchasing delegates from all over the UK and incorporate a unique fully functioning training cellar, delegates lounge, training room and support offices. The centre is also linked to our own freehouse/restaurant/hotel so that the next generation of publicans we train will enjoy on-site hospitality during their stay with us.
In summary, whilst we are in an ever-changing market, I think that the future has never been more exciting, providing we ensure we are innovative and flexible enough to meet the challenges that lie ahead.