ALMR: membership up 20%

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) welcomed 16 new companies into its fold in the first four months of 2011 — a 19.7% increase in membership.

The ALMR now has 88 members operating around 15,000 outlets between them, with the majority operating less than 50 sites.

The new batch of members includes 119-strong Startmore Pub Company and the 333-strong Stonegate Pub Company. "Stonegate is excited to be a new and significant player in the sector - and it's logical to be joining ALMR as the natural home for managed operators," said chairman Ian Payne

Will Clayton, owner of London-based Gresham Inns, said: "We are a new and ambitious company and it's very reassuring that ALMR covers the compliance issues for us - as well as representing the mainstream operations in our industry so well".

ALMR chief executive Nick Bish added: "This significant addition to membership is really gratifying. The ALMR works to add value to the collective voice of great companies, small and large, North and South and each with their special place in the market.

"The experience, passion and energy of the individual operators all help convince Government that we are a mature and valuable industry well worth recognising and supporting."

New members:​

Ashperry Ltd: 7 - Bristol & Cardiff

Atmosphere Bars: 28 - Nationwide

Be At One: 10 - London

Capital Pub Company: 29 - London and South East

The Chapman Group Ltd: 34 - Sussex

Gordons Wine Bars: 1 - London

Gresham Inns Ltd: 4 - London

Indigo Pub Company: 12 - East Sussex

Oakman Inns & Restaurants: 6 - Hertfordshire

Quicksilver Management: 3 - Staffordshire

PLS Management Ltd: 2 - Surrey

Spirit House Ltd: 3 - Berkshire

Snug Bars Ltd: 4 - Cambridge

Startmore Pub Co: 119 - nationwide

Stonegate Pub Company: 333 - Nationwide

Cavendish Bars: 27 - Nationwide