BBPA plans major shake-up
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is planning a major shake-up in the way it operates in the wake of chief executive Rob Hayward's shock resignation.
A three-year plan to address the sector's repeated failures on government lobbying was unveiled by the group's chairman Michael Turner yesterday, The Publican understands.
The pubco and brewer-funded group is keen to engage more effectively with its membership and the government.
The group also wants to re-position itself as a more "progressive" and "professional" organisation that becomes "the voice" of beer and pubs.
At yesterday's BBPA council meeting, Turner presented to members his vision for the future of the group.
Turner is due to sit down with Alistair Darling on Monday (March 16) for a final push to persuade the Chancellor to abandon the duty escalator and freeze duty in next month's Budget.
It is understood brewer members, in particular, had begun to question the BBPA's effectiveness on lobbying with Hayward at the helm.
Last November's mini-budget was seen as the "last straw" for some members after the government slapped another eight per cent on alcohol duty.
Darling then made a U-turn on spirits by halving the increase for that sector.
Turner apparently acknowledged that other industry groups appeared to have more influence in political circles than the BBPA.
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said pub industry "unity" would not happen until the trade "defines itself more clearly".
"We cannot at one moment be the pub industry, the brewing industry and hospitality industry, then expect us all to be singing from the same hymn sheet," he said.
"Even within these groups there are inherent tensions, for example between landlords and tenants. The best thing we can do is to clarify our definition and talk to each other more honestly than we have."
Bish added he would have "no problem" working more closely with the BBPA.
Until a replacement for Hayward is found, the BBPA's director of brewing, David Long, will act as chief executive.
A statement from the BBPA said that after 10 years service, Hayward, a former Tory MP, was returning to politics.
The group said it would like to thank him for his "contribution to the success of the association and wish him well as he embarks upon a new challenge".
