BII apologises to Wakefield

The BII has offered an unreserved apology to high profile member Nigel Wakefield over the "negative impact" false allegations had on his reputation.

Wakefield handed back his CMBII — the highest level of membership — and gave up his role as a membership development consultant (MDC) — claiming the organisation had done little to clear his name.

The outspoken critic of the pubco model claims that he was removed from his North Devon region as a MDC after being falsely accused of giving a speech claiming he had had two failed businesses and the BII had done nothing to help him.

The accusations were made by a BII off-trade member and turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.

Wakefield has infact, not had any failed businesses, and denies ever giving such a speech. He said his membership patch was moved 60 miles from his home territory.

In a letter to Wakefield, BII chief executive Neil Robertson said: "I apologise unreservedly for the part BII has played. We have acted in an insufficiently clear way, which has had the effect of giving oxygen to those false allegations."

High standing​

He added: "For the record let me confirm that our decision to change your MDC area was nothing to do with any allegations of previous failed businesses. It was due to technical issues, and was taken in order to try to resolve a situation that was mutually agreed to be uneconomical.

"It hardly needs stating but I hold your professional standing in the highest regard — your experience and lucid insights are enviable."

Wakefield has now agreed to work with Robertson on a consultancy basis to develop support and websites for those entering the pub and restaurant trade.

Wakefiled currently runs his own website (www.buyingapub.com​) offering free information and advice to new trade entrants.