London Town has put another plank in the sector's recovery by creating a partnership with property lender Commercial First.
The link-up will provide a free service, which will further enhance not only logistical support but also the business guidance available to around 700 independent licensees who have mortgages with Commercial First.
London Town, which is reversing the trend of pub closures, is also preparing to reopen 12 closed pubs where licensees have failed. The company is also making a wide range of benefits available to Commercial First licensees in order to allow them to maximise their opportunities. These include:
• Help and guidance in choosing product mix and brands, in order to make a real difference to margins;
• Assistance with regular promotions, improved food offerings and events;
• A consistent business mentoring service for single operators based on the in-depth experience and market awareness of London Town's area managers.
A total of 80 Commercial First licensees have already contacted London Town to ask for a meeting.
Billy Buchanan, London Town's chief executive, said: "Commercial First shares our belief in the entrepreneurial spirit, which is still very much alive in the UK pub sector, and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to roll out our support package to a whole new portfolio of clients."
Stephen Johnson, sales and marketing director of Commercial First, said: "London Town has made a real difference to the pub scene in Britain and, with its unrivalled buying power, industry knowledge and business experience, it can add real value for our clients."
London Town has responsibility for an estate of nearly 450 pubs and has created more than 800 jobs in the last year.