Former Punch tenants Richard and Loren Pope were crowned BII Licensees of the Year at the BII's Annual Lunch today.
The couple bought the freehold of the Bulls Head in Repton, Derbyshire, from Punch six months ago and have also set up their own pub company — Chilled Pubs.
The Bull provides employment for 60 people who all go through a structured one-to-one training programme.
The Popes have introduced pizzas made on-site, fresh French loaves and recently held a beer festival featuring 55 cask ales, hog roasts and regional cheeses.
"Richard and Loren proved to the judges that they are switched on, business-savvy remarkable publicans who really know how to run a fantastic business that is really in tune with its customers and delivers on all levels," said BII chief executive Neil Robertson.
Meanwhile, Enterprise Inns received the Supreme Award in the BII NITA training awards for their WILMA programme — Win In A Local Market Area.
The other finalists for BII Licensee of the Year are:
• Nigel & Sue Anstead FBII from the White Horse, in Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Mark Barton MBII from the Taychreggan Hotel & Restaurant in Dundee
• Darran Lingley MBII from the Five Bells in Colne Engaine, Essex
• Lucy and Mark Barron-Reid MBII from the Bull at Benenden, Kent
• Gerry Price FBII from the Inn @ West End, in West End, Woking, Surrey