Paul Boggia
Paul Boggia, licensee, the Kingston Arms in Cambridge
Corporate goal for the year?
We have two: a defensive, reactive goal (partly in anticipation of an economic slump), and a proactive goal. Firstly, as always, to trim the fat and make things run more efficiently. This is an ongoing process anyway, and over the years we have evolved to become more efficient. But the threat of a downturn in the economy is worrying, and serves as extra impetus to really streamline things.
Secondly, we want to expand. We wanted to either (a) acquire more property, or (b) get a brewery with a view to getting a second pub, or possibly more, in order to rent them out, but have them tied to the brewery.
This still might happen, but we need to keep a watchful eye on both the residential and commercial pub property markets. The brewery option interests us, as my partner, Jane Fairhall, used to run (in partnership with her brother) a very successful microbrewery called Lidstones Brewery.
This has since broken up, despite the fact that business was growing, the ale used to win awards, and it was establishing a very good reputation in East Anglia (and beyond). However, we have the recipes and if we can find a suitable location, we will resurrect Lidstones, but under a different name - most likely Lidgate Brewery.
Additionally, because Jane and I run the pub with a very good manager, we want to try something else. Because we are a successful pub, and we recruit excellent staff, we can afford to be more hands off, hence us wanting to expand. However, my primary skills are IT based, and being located in Cambridge, there is some demand to expand this side of things as well.
Any opportunity to grow your business?
Yes, but maybe not in the short term due to the threat of an economic downturn, but there might be a realistic opportunity to get some of the groundwork laid to expand in the future (hence the goal of establishing a brewery tied to future pubs).
Additionally, there is no reason not to look into alternatives to being a "pure" pub. In my case, I have skills that are far removed from the pub trade. I also have a secure home and business premises. These are valuable assets if I want to expand. But I realise this year is still going to be difficult. The economy is going to be a big worry, and the Government is doing its usual thing of throwing more red tape at the trade while seeking to make things more difficult, such as with the smoking ban.
If there is a downturn in the economy, how bad is it going to get?
We have been talking ourselves into a depression for the past few years. I remember when I bought a flat in London four years ago I continually heard we were due for an imminent recession. I now have a flat that has increased in value by £25,000.
However, lately, there are more definite signs. For example, the US is experiencing a distinct slowing down, and we seem to follow their economic trend. How bad? The Government doesn't help - what with the capital gains tax fiasco and the smoking ban, plus an ever increasing amount of red tape, there is a distinct lack of understanding or support for small businesses.
So, if things slow down and the Government does come after small businesses, and the pub trade in particular, then I think things could get seriously bad.
Where's the light at the end of the tunnel?
Labour losing the next general election and someone who actively helps small businesses getting into power. I see Labour as very much helping the employee, and the Conservatives being a bit more inclined to help the employer.
There is nothing wrong with either of these scenarios as long as it isn't to the detriment to the other. But there is scant evidence that this is the case.
For example, paternity leave would cripple us (as does the ever-worrying threat of one of our barmaids getting pregnant), then there's flexi-time and the litigious society we live in. This list is by no means exhaustive.
If political pressure increases, what's our best form of defence?
The usual routine of lobbying, harassing your MP via letters to get feedback through to the powers that be to see that the current situation isn't tenable. This won't change things overnight, and the main alternative party has its own, very obvious flaws too, but at the very least I suspect the amount of red tape would stop increasing.
Biggest challenge your business faces?
That's a difficult one. Maybe two things. Firstly, seeing the full effects of the smoking ban. We need a whole year to experience the effects. But the biggest challenge has to be riding out the quite-possible economic slump.
Personal goal for the year?
I have several. The first is to continue to promote the use of IT in the hospitality industry. I might also try for another body-building competition. I wanted to enter one last year, and spent months dieting, but it was cancelled a few weeks before the show.
The most enjoyable goal is for my partner and I to get a camper van this year and spend some time travelling.
Favourite quotation or business adage?
As corny as it sounds, it holds true. If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.
