McManus reports 8% sales increase

McManus Pub Company, the Northampton-based pub company privately owned by Gary and Paul McManus, has reported a rise in turnover and house Ebitda for the year to 29 April 2006.

Total sales rose from £11.2m to £12.1m, an increase of 8% on the previous year. House Ebitda increased to £2.49m for the latest year.

Sales were boosted by two new successful developments opened during the year, the Lamport Swan and the Brampton Halt.

Both new pubs focus on quality food. Capital expenditure on these two freehold sites exceeded £2.5m. The estate includes 22 managed pubs, of which 19 are freehold, with a further pub in development. The average sales per pub increased to £15,200 gross per week in the most recent year.

Significant focus has been placed on food sales, which have grown to 20.3% of total sales and are now worth £2.47m per annum.

During the year a food development manager was appointed to further enhance the food offering.

Finance director Chris Wright said: "In general, 2005 and 2006 were challenging. Increases in sales and gross profits were eroded by above inflationary rises in payroll costs, fuel costs and rates."

Since year end, McManus Pub Group has seen a continued growth in sales with like-for-like sales up 2.8%.

Additionally, the group acquired a further two freehold destination food houses from Spirit Group for £3.3m.