BII chief makes rallying cry to industry
BII chief executive John McNamara has said the 'serious threat' the pub industry is facing is also a marvellous opportunity.
Speaking to more than 1,000 industry figures at the Annual BII lunch at the Grosvenor House in London today McNamara acknowledged the pub sector is facing a hugely challenging time.
He said: "That serious threat is paradoxically the most marvellous opportunity over the next 100 years. We will work with anyone to meet that threat and to maximise that opportunity."
He pointed to initiatives such as The Publican's Proud of Pubs week as being important factors in celebrating what is great about pubs.
"Through its support for initiatives such as Best Bar None, the PASS proof of age standards scheme, Pub is the Hub and National Pubwatch, together with BII's groundbreaking Schools Project, the extensive portfolio of BIIAB qualifications and the range of BII Support Services, we are building relationships and encouraging partnership working to the betterment of all. The one thing that unites us all is the great British pub!" he said.
McNamara also compared the problems faced today - including an aggressive health lobby and a government seemingly intent on destroying the industry - to 100 years ago when the effects of an unpopular Prime Minister (Herbert Asquith) and Chancellor (David Lloyd George), galvanised a mass of people into action to protest against undue interference in their social lives.
"We have been here before," said McNamara, "but we won't get half a million people on the streets of London again, methods of communication have changed."
He went on to urge BII members and others in the trade to tell MPs, journalists and other opinion formers about "how much fun, entertainment and relaxation we provide."
The keynote speaker at the event was celebrity chef Kevin Woodford of GMTV and Ready Steady Cook fame.
He spoke about the importance of authenticity and adaptability to running businesses.
"We are facing a really difficult period but I don't think there has ever been a better time to capitalize on food as a major income generator," he said.
