Francis Patton joins Milestone as non-exec

Milestone, the accountancy firm used by a large number of pubcos, has appointed ex-Punch Taverns director Francis Patton as a non-executive director.

Patton, who has 20 years' worth of experience in the pub trade, left his role as customer services director at Punch late last year.

Milestone provides accounting, taxation and payroll services for more than 1,400 UK pubs and clubs.

Steve Carter, managing director of Milestone, said: "I am delighted to welcome Francis to our board. His breadth of operational experience within the brewing and pub sector, allied to his City and IR experience will be a key asset to the long-term strategy of Milestone. This new appointment significantly strengthens the Milestone board".

Patton said: "I am absolutely delighted to be invited to join Milestone. In my time at Punch I have watched the company grow and develop, providing a fantastic and invaluable service for licensees.

"I believe that it is absolutely vital, more so now than ever, for licensees to have access to a top class financial support package and team and this is undoubtedly what Milestone provides. I am really excited about meeting the team and getting involved in such a first class business."

As well as his 12-days a year commitment to Milestone, Patton is a non-executive director of the Liverpool-based Cains Beer Company and Barnsley National Health Foundation Trust, is chairman of Cask Marque and sits on the National Council of the BII.