Labour MP Toby Perkins revealed his plans for the group yesterday (Thursday 12 January), which included expanding the number of MPs in the group, tackling the “ongoing issue” of the pubs code and ensuring the market-rent-only (MRO) option is “delivered”.
BII chairman and Yummy Pubs Co co-founder Anthony Pender told The Morning Advertiser (MA): “Business rates are going up too much and it's unsustainable to pay more taxes in this time of uncertainty.
“It’s going to affect employment business investment in the sector and also growth, which isn't good for anybody.
"Let's have a bit more unity across the industry and not just make it about the beer-tie and MRO option, let's start talking about business rates with full unity across the trade.”
'Right man for the job'
He added: "I've heard lots of positive things about Toby, I think he's well regarded in the trade and always been very pro-pub. I think he's the right man for the job."
Perkins replaced Greg Mulholland as Save the Pub Group chairman on Tuesday (10 January) following a vote.
ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We need a strong voice in parliament to help us highlight the important contribution pubs make as a key part of the UK’s tourism offering, as well as driving growth across local economies.”
‘Passionate supporter’
Other industry figures welcomed Perkins and were keen to see the work of the group taken further.
Head of the Pub’s Advisory Service (PAS) Chris Wright told the MA: “Toby Perkins is a well-known supporter of British pubs and I hope the group’s work can continue in the same light.”
“There's so many issues Save the Pub Group could cover. He is a passionate supporter and he is interested in delivering a fair-tenanted model. He's a safe pair on hands in that role.”
Industry advisor Phil Dixon told the MA he was “surprised” about the news, but still congratulated Perkins on his new position.
He said: “I think Toby Perkins is a great replacement.”
He added: “No one can doubt that Greg's actions especially in terms of legislation have fundamentally changed the industry.”