Andy Slee

Andy Slee, trading director, Coca-Cola Enterprises

What is your corporate goal for the year ahead? ​

Within the Licensed trade CCEs aim is to "Consistently deliver a great soft drinks experience to pub customers. "

Our belief is that by doing that publicans will sell more and everyone will benefit

Do you see more opportunity to grow your numbers (profits/pub estate)?​

The changing face of the pub trade is there for all to see. Soft Drinks are taking an increasingly bigger share of industry turnover and within the next 12 - 18 months we expect the category worth as much in revenue to the pub trade than Ales. Who'd have thought that even five years ago!

Do you think forecasts about a downturn in the economy will become reality? And if so, how bad do you think trade is going to get? ​

I'm not really qualified to talk about specifics on the economy, though all those I talk in the trade confirm how tough business is at the moment.

How bad will trade get? In my time out and about the trade one thing is clear. Those outlets who have quality and value for money at the heart of what they do will always do succeed!

Where's the light at the end of the tunnel coming from?​

Before the smoking ban half of industry revenue was generated by 25% of the adult population who smoked.

That leaves 75% of the population who occasionally or never visited the pub.

How successful the pub trade is over the next few years will be how well they attract these new users to pubs…..Females families and those eating food.

If, as feared, the level of political pressure increases on the drinks industry, what do you see as our best form of defence? ​

Over the last two decades I don't believe there has been and industry that's received more governmental intervention than ours!

Compared to other markets the pubs market is very fragmented, often voicing differing views driven by self interest

By this time next year it is critical the industry speaks with one voice on key issues. Not only will this form an effective lobby but make the industry easier to do business with, especially with Mr Brown and friends!

Everyone will need to make sacrifices. Some sacred cows may need to be put to the sword but surely if we all speak with a common voice we stand more chance of being heard!

What's the single biggest challenge your business is facing next year?​

Uncertainty around ownership, trading pressures, supplier pressures and the possibility of further governmental intervention are all very laudable distractions…… in the end we need to focus on ways in which we can attract more people into pubs and when they are there give them a great experience…. so they come back again and again.

What's your own personal goal for the year (learning Mandarin, run the marathon etc)? ​

Given that Stoke City FC playing in the Premier League is out of my hands…… my personal goal is to cycle coast to coast in 24 hours to raise much needed cash for a Catherine House Hospice in Stafford.

Do you have a favourite quotation/business adage that you would like to share with MA readers? ​

I've been lucky enough to work with a number of great characters in my 20 years in the industry.

Brian Blake an old mentor at Welsh Brewers was full of pearls of wisdom which have stood me on good stead

In the end, however as tried and tested mantra is simply "Treat others like you want to be treated yourself!"

Finally, if you would like to add any further thoughts, please feel free to do so here.

The pubs is the the most quintessentially British institiution. It is Britains favourite place to go socialise

It has been under attach many times over the years and again faces challenging times.

If as an industry we focus on the paying customers and offering quality and value for money then we will win!