Pub trade still an attractive career choice

Potential and new licensees flocked to a Marston's roadshow to prove taking on a pub is still a popular career choice.

Despite factors hitting the trade such as the smoking ban, hikes on alcohol duty and rising costs, visitors to the event in Walsall yesterday remained positive about their prospects.

The roadshow - the last in a series of four - was arranged as a showcase for suppliers and an opportunity to encourage existing and would-be licensees.

Nigel Grainger and June Bartlett took on their first pub - The Crown in Codsall Wood, Wolverhampton, in December.

June said that while business was tough there is still money to be made.

She said: "The days of opening the doors and sitting at the bar waiting for the money to come in are long gone. You have got to fight for every penny.

"We are busy because we are giving the customer what they want, which is good beer, good food and a great atmosphere. But before people take on a pub they really need to speak to others who are already doing the job and have a long, hard think about it."

And a 30-year-old chef said he was keen to sign up to a tenancy despite the current tough climate.

He said: "If I never had my own place I would really regret it. I think if you understand your customer and understand their wants and needs then you can be successful.

"I know I am going to be working 90 to 100 hours a week and I accept that because this is what I want to do."

Key figures from Marston's were on hand to provide advice to licensees.

Marston's Pub Company operations director Andrew Andrea said the company was particularly keen to help pubs improve their outside spaces and to encourage wet-led pubs to introduce food.

He said: "If there was a lost opportunity to get people to pubs last year this summer represents a re-opportunity to get historical pub rejecters back into the pub."

He added: "The challenge is making sure we are helping retailers through difficult times."