Nick Bish

Nick Bish chief executive, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Paul Smith

executive director, Noctis Mark Hastings communications director, British Beer & Pub Association Jon Collins chief executive, CGA Strategy (19)

Why they are on the list:

This quartet are very much the public faces and key spokespersons for the industry.

Bish heads up the trade body that looks after the interests of medium and small-sized pub companies. Hastings is the spokesman for the industry's biggest trade organisation. Smith looks after the late-night bar and nightclub sector, and Collins is very active as chairman of Noctis, while heading up one of the industry's leading data analyst companies.

What the past year has held:

A busy but difficult year for Bish, Hastings and Smith defending the pub trade from the salvo of missiles fired by Government.

Bish did not endear himself to some big pubco bosses when he suggested the pubco model was in need of revision. The BBPA is in the market for a new chief executive after perceived failings in its lobbying strategy.

Challenges ahead:

The BBPA has been forced to take a long look at itself after criticism following the departure of its chief executive Rob Hayward. The identity of his successor is eagerly awaited.

Stand by for more developments on the future of pub companies and the beer tie.