Very sadly, it’s time gentlemen, please...

It was a tough decision to make, but, without fail, the first thing anybody says to me when hearing this news is: “Greene King being unhelpful again?”

So, let’s dispel that myth first. This isn’t a piece defending the beer tie or exalting the generosity of my pubco, but, when it comes to the areas of pain our business has been experiencing, Greene King comes a long way down the list of those causing problems.

If anything, the company has worked hard to ensure we can continue trading during a difficult period.

As for so many pubs, 2012 was a terrible year for us. The wettest period on record saw a much reduced income during the summer months and it continued to be a fight through Christmas and the New Year.

The cold and wintry weather at the beginning of 2013 has prolonged the misery and the expense of heating and lighting the building are taking their toll.

Shortly before Christmas, the Labour Party press team announced on Twitter that 18 pubs were closing each week and that the party planned to hold the Government to account for failing to help struggling pubs; the tweet seemed to ignore completely the fact that, under Labour’s rule 52 pubs a week were closing, following the introduction of the smoking ban and, later, the rapacious alcohol duty escalator, which has seen duty rise by more than 40% since 2008.

To me, for the Government to say that it has helped the pub trade by introducing a statutory code for pub companies is a sop. It brings with it further risks and concerns and doesn’t take into account the wider picture; a simple freeze on duty or an introduction of 5% VAT for the hospitality trade would do more to help our industry; regulation over price rises from the utility companies would also be helpful.

Heating oil has risen 220% since 2005 and my electricity bills have more than doubled. Add these to expensive business rates and the general economic downturn, poor weather and the trend towards drinking at home, and our wonderful little wet-led pub has simply taken a beating.

The decision to leave was a hard and upsetting one to make and the future looks a big, scary place right now. I truly hope, however, that this isn’t the end of my story in an industry I love and cherish.

But I can tell you this right now: for the first time in eight years, I am actually looking forward to Christmas.