I represented the rest and thanks to my team-mate Giles Fry [Snug Bars MD], our inspirational captain Andrew Stones [Be At One operations director] and a helpful “pitch invasion” by Philip Thorley [Thorley Taverns operations director] — we whooped them!
While the debate was light hearted in tone, the theme was a serious one. Thinking about the debate, it could be argued that the topic was binary because both as an industry and as UK plc, we need London as well as the regions to thrive. We certainly should not think of penalising London, but this is not to say we shouldn’t help the regions.
Vince Cable recently said: “London is becoming a giant suction machine draining the life out of the rest of the country.”
Well restaurateurs Marco Pierre White, Simon Rogan and Nigel Haworth all started their careers up north and the latter pair continue to prosper in the same region, as do Living Ventures and the family brewers (at Amber we have just opened our 100th pub). Meanwhile, dynamic and innovative bar and restaurant concepts in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester are going from strength to strength.
Londoners shouldn’t be smug and us provincials certainly shouldn’t have a chip on our shoulder. The better we all do, the better off we all are. In addition, we do not need politicians to appeal to our base instincts and resort to the politics of envy. Taking London down a peg or two is not what is required. Giving a “protein shake” to the energy and creativity of the regions is.
We should be proud of our capital and pleased with what it does for our country, but recognise that the regions need some assistance to help them close the gap on London.
So what can be done?
- George Osborne and Nick Clegg have recently graced the north with their presence to talk about transport links. We require action on infrastructure and transports as soon as possible
- A five-year moratorium on any increase in rating values for investment by a bar/restaurant/pub in any closed high-street property. It is outrageous that investment and job creation in closed premises can lead to the penalty of an increased RV
- As above for enhanced capital allowances for investment in any high-street property that has been empty for six months or more
- A speeding up of planning laws in any high street where more than 10% of commercial properties have been empty for six months
- or more
- A further 1p cut in beer duty (or certainly no increase) in the next Budget
The north has both the talent and potential to close the gap on London. To do this it needs business-friendly policies and infrastructure investment and there would undoubtedly be a return both socially and economically for the regions and the country as a whole.
Our industry has proved it can create jobs, particularly for young people. It can also be the catalyst to revive many a run-down and struggling town centre. With the exception of the infrastructure investment, the items outlined above are not hugely expensive or difficult. We are not really asking for much, just a bit of practical help in closing the gap on our big brother.
James Baer is managing director of Amber Taverns