The figures represent a hike in visitor numbers compared to last year’s events, which saw representatives from 30% of Enterprise’s 5,000-plus pubs.
Both existing and prospective publicans attended the enterpriselive 2015 roadshows – now in their third year - to meet suppliers and members of the Enterprise team, get valuable business advice and snap-up exclusive deals.
Supplier participation at this year’s shows also saw growth, with demand for trade stands leading to the events requiring a 50% increase in venue size to cover 30,000sq ft. Each roadshow saw more than 120 suppliers gather to demonstrate their products and services.
'Fantastic'
Publican Dianne Charlton, of The Park View Inn in Gateshead, said: “I was invited to the Leeds event by my regional manager, and I’m so glad I went; it was fantastic. I saved about £700 and saw a fantastic till system from Bleep UK, which is an excellent tool for good and safe business practice. Nothing will make me miss the show next year.”
Adam Groves, of The Hollybush in Welwyn Garden City, who attended the grand finale at Wembley Stadium, added: “It was our first time at enterpriselive and it completely exceeded our expectations. It gave us the opportunity to meet reps from suppliers, add some new products, do lots of deals, and arrange some new Stella glassware. We got a lot out of it and will definitely be back next year.”
'Huge success'
Enterprise sales and marketing director James Armitage said: “It’s all been a huge success. We promised bigger and better, and delivered exactly that, with five of the six shows 50% bigger than in 2014, and even at the halfway point, the 2015 events were on course to top last year’s attendance figures.
“We’ve given ourselves a nice problem: how to top this in 2016, as the roadshows get bigger year on year.”