BII boss looks forward after "challenging" first year

Considering the year the industry has just endured, you couldn't blame Neil Robertson if he admitted to regretting taking on the role of BII chief executive.

Nobody escaped criticism from MPs in the Business and Enterprise Committee (BEC_ report into the industry, including the Surrey-based trade group. The BII was criticised for being slow in setting up a rent dispute service and for being too close to pubcos.

The following mediation sessions between trade leaders must have been "challenging" to use a popular euphemism. And, on top of all that, the BII, a registered charity, has had to cope with membership dropping, as pubs close and traditional members retire.

But while Robertson admits the job has been more "intense" than he envisioned, he remains upbeat about the challenges ahead.

Trade manifesto

One major part of the job is attempting to improve the image of the industry. With that in mind, the BII is developing a trade manifesto.

Put simply, it wants pubcos and drinks companies to channel the good things they are doing through the group, so the BII can promote it all when dealing with various authorities.

"The industry does not get enough appreciation for the things it does," Robertson said. "This will push some of the big players into doing more and we'll then be in a position to make certain demands and offers to local authorities."

There is clearly an emphasis on improving relationships with councils, as more licensing power is expected to be devolved, especially if the Tories win the election.

Some councils already understand the nature of the industry, but others, Robertson says, need "to be more realistic and less evangelical".

Health lobby

Robertson is keen to get closer to those traditionally seen as the enemy, namely, the health lobby.

He explained: "At the moment health chiefs lob scientific stones at us and some people just fight back saying: 'no you're wrong'. Whereas what we need to say is 'we have all got a problem here and we will all fix it together'."

This will involve Robertson sitting on panels with influential health figureheads, giving him the chance to promote the pub.

He is also keen to widen the debate away from the formula of people + alcohol = binge drinking.

"Some are just worried narrowly about alcohol, but the more mature ones are worried about all kinds of things, and two things that contribute to ill health are isolation and unemployment," he added

New recruits

The BII is working to modernise its own somewhat traditional image. New entry levels courses, allowing potential lessees to know exactly what they are signing up for, are being developed. And a mentoring scheme, in which experienced licensees help newcomers, is also being looked at.

Meanwhile, the BII's online presence is being beefed up with a wider range of support and mentoring.

"One of the problems we have got is people coming in being a little naïve. And by the time you need help it's a bit too late for some people," said Robertson.

"The services we offer are more needed by people new in the industry but actually are more likely to be used by people who have been in the industry a while."

BEC aftermath

So what of the wider world? Has anything really been achieved post-BEC that will benefit licensees?

Two things spring readily to Robertson's mind. The Pub Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS), which he says has already helped solve several landlord and lessee disputes.

And he also points to the British Beer & Pub Association's code of practice, which its pubco members must comply with by the summer.

Robertson added: "Individual company codes will go beyond the BBPA code, it is a good opportunity for them to see that as the minimum and I believe that will happen and will make a difference to tenants and lessees."

So, all things considered, no regrets about taking on the job then?

"No. It is challenging and the 24-hour nature means it is a heart and soul type of job, but I am up for it."

For more information visit www.bii.org​