The Pub People Company eyes 100 sites

The Midlands-based business is aiming to acquire up to 60 freehold venues across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire locations.

It is being financed by investment manager Downing LLP, which has committed to expansion after acquiring the business last year.

Commercial property agent FHP has been appointed to find suitable venues to add to the group’s estate and is exploring opportunities with independent pub owners and groups that are looking to sell.

Business reputation

The Pub People Company was formed in 1993. Its managed pubs including an existing portfolio of 40 venues based in and around Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield and Lincoln.

It has developed a reputation for cask ale and good value fresh food, underpinned by its quality estate and central function.

Managing director Andy Crawford said: “The [business] is keen to invest in further venues in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire areas.

“We’ve got a great following in our current estate of 40 pubs and we would like to expand on those."

Keen to expand

Crawford added: “The pub sector continues to have its challenges but with a long-established business, strong backing and well-invested properties in the area, we’re keen to add to our estate.

“We are looking to acquire freehold pubs in community and town centre locations across the region and are keen to speak to individual pub owners and groups that may be looking to sell.”

FHP’s Doug Tweedie said it was an exciting time for the pub business and the agent was delighted to helping find new freehold pub sites.

He added: “We’ve formed a strong team between the two parties, which means we are able to appraise and make decisions on new acquisitions quickly and efficiently. We are looking forward to speaking to like-minded induvial owners and pub groups about new opportunities.”