Entries are now being sought from pub companies large and small to the awards’ 18 categories, which reflect the broad range of product and services on offer across the British pub estate.
This is the third year the awards have focused exclusively on recognising the achievements of pub companies, with the extensive and rigorous judging process establishing the awards as a coveted accolade by pub companies’ senior management teams.
Categories open for entries include Best Community Pub Operator; Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company, Best Managed Pub Company, Best Pub Employer, Best Drinks Offer, Best Food Offer, Best New Pub/Bar, Best Business Initiative and Best Industry Initiative.
PMA editor Rob Willock said: “The Publican Awards is such an important fixture in the industry’s calendar, so it always an exciting moment when we launch the call for entries to the trade. After what has been an encouraging year for the pub industry, we’re expecting some great entries this year. The entry deadline will come and go before you know it, so start planning your entry ASAP – and hopefully I’ll see you on the stage in March.”
The awards are run in association with Sky. David Rey, managing director at Sky Business said: “The pub industry has plenty to be proud of. At Sky, we believe in better and the Publican Awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise industry achievements and honour the outstanding individuals and companies who are setting the standard in providing the best possible experience and service. As sponsor of the awards, we look forward to celebrating another year of success in this great industry.’’
New categories for 2014 include Best Operations Team, which recognises the contribution BDM teams make to a company's success and Best Business Leader 2014, recognising a managing director or chief executive who has made a big impact on their company's performance in the past year.
The winner of this award, along with our established Outstanding Industry Contribution Award, will be voted for by the Publican Awards 2014 panel of expert judges including city analysts, business journalists, leading industry consultants, pub guide editors and industry body chiefs.
As previous winners testify, the Publican Awards are well worth the time and effort spent entering. They publicly recognise the work of pub companies in a wide range of areas, and give winners a high-profile quality standard mark, which they can use to promote themselves both inside and outside their pub business.
Previous winners have used their award's win to attract new staff to the business, generate fantastic PR for the company, inspire staff and drive business further by acting as a quality endorsement to their customers.
As Stephen Gould, Everards’ managing director and winner of Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company ( up to 200 sites) 2013, said: “The whole team at Everards were so thrilled to be recognised – a thorough, professional and exacting judging process means that to win a Publican Award is so poignant and meaningful.”
Tim Painter, HR Director at Stonegate Pub Company, winner of Best Pub Employer (51 plus sites) said: "Winning the category has created a real sense of pride amongst our employees and has further boosted morale within the company. We make sure that all of our communication, both internally and externally, uses the winners logo wherever possible. This encompasses social media, point-of-sale and particularly on material when we are looking to recruit people to join our team."
The Publican Awards 2014 ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 25 March 2014 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
For more information on the awards and to download entry forms visit www.publicanawards.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 8 November 2013.