Punch roadshow success 'reflects improving relationship with licensees’
The pub company said 64% of its pubs visited at least one of the events, which included the opportunity to be part of a £5m giveaway.
The roadshow tour ran from 30 September until 30 October across ten venues in the UK, including Durham’s Rainton Meadows Arena and the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, which both hosted events for the first time.
The season closed at Wembley, where 260 licensees and 28 prospective publicans were in attendance. It included a guest appearance from rock band Status Quo, who were promoting their own real ale ‘Piledriver’, named after their 1972 album of the same name.
'Value'
Punch external affairs and central operations director Andy Slee said: “In many ways the roadshows are a barometer for our improving relationship with our licensees. To have over 64% of pubs attending reflects the hard work that goes into them and more importantly the value that our licensees believe they deliver.”
The shows also featured 135 industry-leading suppliers, who offered a range of food and drink products including a number of Punch specific deals and support services that were only available on the day.
Visitors were given the chance to meet members of the Punch Taverns team and Operating Board, with each Punch licensee receiving a voucher booklet allowing them to redeem a range of offers, from free glassware and products to free bar staff training support.
Sue Carpenter, who runs the General Elliot in Uxbridge, west London, attended the Wembley roadshow.
She said: “It is really useful having everything under one roof and it’s great to be able to sample a range of new drink and food products and services. I have ordered a new coffee machine and introduced a number of new products. I’d definitely recommend other licensees to attend the future events.”
