8 reasons why MA300 chose Nottingham

1. Independent multiple site operators have flocked to Nottingham​, filling the city with a diverse range of venues. From a bar housed in a converted abandoned church to a secret bar in an old boiler shop, the diverse range of venues in Nottingham promises one of the best MA300 studies tours to date.

2. Nottingham has one of the youngest populations of any UK city.​ Two out of five residents are under 24 and the average age is just over 34, compared with a national average of 40. With millennials eating and drinking out far more than their parents and grandparents, the city’s youthful population offers a real opportunity for operators.

3. Bouncing back from the recession​, Nottingham is also an increasingly prosperous city. Average annual earnings are on the up while unemployment figures are going down, and local figures are determined to keep driving the city’s growth. Leading voices from the council and business in the area have launched an ambitious plan to keep pushing the city forward, and a £40 million revamp of the city’s shopping centre has led to more jobs, shops and restaurants.

4. It’s also growing-significantly.​ The population has boomed over the past couple years, with international migration and increasing numbers of students leading to a population rise of 10,000. Estimates say the population could rise to as high as 327,000 in less than ten years.

5. Nottingham’s drinkers have embraced the craft beer buzz more than any other city.​ It was the first place outside of London to host Craft Beer Week, and top-notch breweries have popped up all over the city. In fact, leading craft beer venue the Crafty Crow says there’s now so many breweries doing great things in the area, it’s a struggle to keep up.

6. Once famous for manufacturing, Nottingham now has an extremely strong service sector.​ Almost 9 out of ten jobs in the city are in services and 87% of full-time employment is provided by the service sector.

7. Pubs, bars and breweries in the area benefit from supportive local MP Lilian Greenwood,​ and although there has been friction in the past, the council are starting to embrace the late night economy. The area by the canal has already been earmarked for new pubs and bars, and Poppleston Allen partner James Anderson argues Nottingham is starting to overcome some of the licensing issues it has faced in the past.

8. The city has been awarded a Purple Flag award,​ an award that recognises excellence in city centres, an impressive six years in a row, and a record number of venues gained a Best Bar None accreditation for responsible retailing in 2015.

The MA300 club visits Nottingham on Wed 27 January 2016. Multi-site operators are entitled to 2 free places at the event. For more details contact joanne.horton@wrbm.com or Tel: 01293 610403​​