PMA500: Six things we learnt

After the event, the PMA rounds up some of the top business tips delegates learnt on the day. 

1. Don’t miss out on the conversations going on about your business online​

Red’s True BBQ founder James Douglas urged operators ‘not to be that mate in the pub who doesn’t get involved in the banter. There are millions of conversations going on social media and I guarantee at least one of them is about your brand.’ He reminded delegates that it’s not enough to talk at customers- use social media to engage them and ask what you’re doing right or wrong.

2. Nottingham has overcome past problems to rival Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds​

Poppleston Allen partner James Anderson stressed that Nottingham had shook off its reputation for violent crime, with a local passion for beer and a large population of young people bringing a wave of independent operators into the city. Although the council could do more to welcome licensed businesses, Anderson said, the outlook for operators in the city was ‘optimistic.’

3. Tell interesting stories about your business​

As Colin Wilde, manging director of Castle Rock put it ‘brewery brews a beer’ is never going to be headline news. But the Nottingham based brewery and pub company has created a buzz around its beer by getting clever with its PR and building stories around new products.

Castle Rock has kept the company forefront in the minds of consumers by brewing beers with local charities and celebrities and a new beer/wine hybrid that received national press coverage.

4. Be ‘geeky’ about glassware​

Pure Craft Bars managing director Martin Hilton told the industry to think more carefully about glassware and cellar management.