Sell More, Save More category champions are out of the blocks

The Publican's Sell More, Save More project is now fully underway, with our category champions out of the blocks and assessing our three chosen pubs.

The third venue to join the project - representing high street bars - can now be confirmed as Barcena, in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Licensee Richard Podesta completed his purchase of the property on Friday January 26 - just in time for the start of the project.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be part of Sell More, Save More," said Richard, a former insurance analyst going into the licensed trade for the first time. "I'm going to need all the help I can get!"

Barcena joins the Hack & Spade in Whashton, North Yorkshire, representing rural pubs, and community pubs representative the Forester Arms in Broseley, Shropshire.

Two more category champions have joined the project: Brulines, which will be helping the pubs to monitor their beer sales, and business development company Catered 4.

Ron Colley, marketing director of Brulines, said the company would be supplying data to help the licensees improve their beer quality and increase sales, as well as reducing their costs through maintenance.

"The pubs selected for the project are a good cross-section of independent businesses and will hopefully allow other operators to learn from their experience," he said.

Led by director Carl May, Catered 4 helps licensees to build on their skills to maximise their profits.

"I'm going to be helping the pubs take a fresh look at their goals and helping them build teams of well-trained and motivated staff. I will visit them throughout the year and be available to help them with their day-to-day needs," said Carl.

His first step, he said, would be to develop individual development plans for the businesses.

Readers will be able to follow the project in the pages of The Publican monthly from now on - and more regularly at www.thepublican.com/sellmore