Punch launches team to focus on pub investments

Andy Wilkinson, former managing director of the 10-strong Clover Taverns, which was placed into administration last year, will head up the team.

The RLMs will oversee any major refurbishments and ensure that licensees have as much help as they need when opening a new site.

The role includes initiating the planning process, co-ordinating site meetings, organising the retailer offer and training licensees and staff on customer service. They will work with in-house design and print to produce marketing material to promote awareness, and work with the commercial and catering teams.

The RLM team have just completed their induction and are now one month into the role. Last year, Punch invested more than £40m into its pubs. This year, it will spend £45m.

“The regional launch managers are responsible for the successful delivery of retailing excellence for the pub investment programme and will ensure that the consumer experience is the best within their region,” said Wilkinson. “The role ensures that the training, marketing and the general retail offering is implemented in a timely manner and to the standards required to ensure we lead pub retailing within our sector.”

Punch operations director David Wigham added: “We recognised the need for this role as our investment programme was growing. I am delighted by the quality of applicants we have attracted, both from outside the company and within.”