Independent Operators

Orchid CEO invited to address the UN

03-Jun-2011 By MA Reporter

Rufus Hall, chief executive of Orchid Group, the 295-strong managed pub company, has been invited to address the United Nations (UN) in New York on...

Pub fined in TV footy case

03-Jun-2011 By Adam Pescod

The licensee of a Lancashire pub has been fined £4,320 for using a foreign TV channel to show live football matches to her customers. Julie Hanson,...

Moorhouse's: bright future in the pipeline

02-Jun-2011 By Roger Protz

Moorhouse's almost closed in the mid-80s but a new brewery is helping it to thrive, writes Roger Protz.

The art of re-invention key to staying ahead

02-Jun-2011 By The PMA Team

There comes a time, no matter how successful you've been, when your offer needs refreshing, says The PMA Team.

The ups and downs of alcohol stats

02-Jun-2011 By Phil Mellows

Phil Mellows considers the release of yet another set of stats on alcohol abuse and hospital admissions last week.

Orchid toasts first 'pizza pub' launch

02-Jun-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

Managed pub operator Orchid has converted its first pub to its new "pizza pub" concept — the George in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Video: Pub operators back VAT cut

01-Jun-2011 By Becky Paskin, Big Hospitality

Pub operators at the recent MA250 conference explain why they are supporting a cut in VAT for the pub industry.

Don't miss our Tenanted Pub Company Summit

01-Jun-2011 By MA Reporter

There is still a chance to get tickets for the must-attend Tenanted Pub Company Summit at London's Sheraton Park Lane on 28 June. The event, run by...

St Austell: profits up, turnover dips

31-May-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

St Austell, the Cornish brewer and pub operator, has reported a rise in profits for 2010 despite a slight dip in turnover. Operating profit before...

CAMRA backs 5% VAT

27-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The Campaign for Real Ale has put its weight behind Thrive on Five, the PMA's campaign to get VAT reduced to 5%.

Pub market 'will face greater rationalisation'

27-May-2011 By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

An analyst has predicted a greater rationalisation of the pub market and that will be to the benefit of the major managed operators. In a report on...

Stephen Goodyear: overseer of change

26-May-2011 By Phil Mellows

Five years ago Young's closed its brewery in Wandsworth and embarked on a new era. Phil Mellows catches up with Stephen Goodyear.

Pubcos: a good first step but more to do

26-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

A start has been made, but there is still "much more" that needs to be done by the industry to put the relationship between pubcos and tenants on a better footing, according to Independent Pub Confederation (IPC) secretary Kate Nicholls.

New non-exec chairman for Young's

26-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Young's, the London pub company and brewer, has revealed that non-executive chairman Chris Sandland is to step down after 38 years. He will be...

CAMRA raffle to boost pub saving funds

25-May-2011 By Ewan Turney

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has launched its National Raffle 2011 in a bid to raise funds to help save pubs.

Machines and age restrictions

25-May-2011 By Peter Coulson

In certain parts of the country pubs are being targeted for enforcement action on the underage use of gaming machines, says Peter Coulson.

'Last chance for pubs to reduce red tape'

25-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The BII is urging publicans to tell the Government about their vital red tape concerns by 2 June.

3,000 qualified for Responsible Alcohol Retailing

24-May-2011 By Ewan Turney

Nearly 3,000 bar staff have now completed the Responsible Alcohol Retailing programme under the SABMiller scholarship scheme. The brewer has...

Bite the bullet and thrive on feedback

23-May-2011 By Gerry Price

The truth often hurts, but whatever sort of pub you are running it is crucial to have feedback from your customers, says Gerry Price.

BBPA warning on Scots tax plans

23-May-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds has urged the Scottish National Party to reconsider its policies towards alcohol tax.

Video: Johnson in plea for better service at pubs

20-May-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Pubs have been urged to offer better customer service, deal with complaints efficiently, and offer food. That's the plea from ex-Pizza Express...

ALMR's leased pubs worry

20-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Leased pubs should not be penalised under the Government's Community Right to Buy scheme, says trade body.

Longshot in Bel relaunch plan

20-May-2011 By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

Longshot, the business led by Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, is set to relaunch the Bel & The Dragon chain, with the re-opening of its site in...

Sales up at Booker

19-May-2011 By Ewan Turney

Food and drink wholesaler Booker has reported a 5.1% increase in like-for-like sales for the 52 weeks to 25 March. The group said total sales were...

'Licensees unsure about dispute resolution'

18-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

A high number of licensees are still unsure where to turn when they are in dispute with their pubco, it was revealed today. The news was unveiled...

Black on booze: shake off those woolly jumpers

18-May-2011 By Robyn Black

Chris Lewis, of Wells & Young's, is right when he says there are "too many woolly jumpers and cosy corners" in ale marketing, says Robyn Black.

Pub industry can learn from supermarkets

18-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Pubs should steal the five principles supermarkets use to help drive their sales, according to research company him!. Katy Moses, business...

Tag us, and win?

17-May-2011 By Mark Daniels

Mark Daniels considers what the new tagging option for businesses and brands means in the pub world.

Be At One seeks backing for growth plans

17-May-2011 By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

London-based cocktail bar operator Be At One has appointed Zolfo Cooper to advise it on its investment options for future growth. It is looking to...

'My life as a licensee is strange and mysterious'

16-May-2011 By Karen Black

New licensee Karen Black spills the beans on running for council elections, radio interviews and Wembley.

WSTA launches fraud protection unit

16-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The WSTA is launching a fraud prevention unit to crackdown on fraud in the wine and spirits sectors.

Daly picks up Gold Badge honour

16-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Dave Daly, manager of the Castle in Blackpool, has received the Gold Badge award from trade union Unite for his work as a shop steward for 34 years....

500k for 20 Best Bar None schemes

13-May-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Twenty new Best Bar None (BBN) schemes are to be set up across the country funded by a £500,000 investment from four drinks companies.

Pubco CEO defends business model: Part 2

13-May-2011 By Robert Sayles

Robert Sayles gets the latest on the progress made by pubcos from a retiring chief executive.

Pubs warned to be vigilant over terror attacks

13-May-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Pubs and clubs in crowded areas are being urged to take part in an online self-assessment to make sure they can counter terrorist attacks because...

Innovate: pub ukulele jamming session

13-May-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Every other Sunday night sees the Balham Bowls Club in Balham, south London, hold a ukulele jamming session. The night was spurred on from a local...

Time is running out for pubcos to reform

12-May-2011 By Greg Mulholland

Lib Dem MP and Save the Pub Group chair Greg Mulholland says time is up for the pubcos and the Government must now intervene.

Town & City's new premium concept

12-May-2011 By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

Town & City Pub Company has launched a new premium concept called Berkeley Bar & Grill, which it hopes to roll out in major cities across the...

Pubs raise £110m a year for charity

11-May-2011 By The PMA Team

Pubs in the UK raise £110m a year for charitable causes, BII chief executive Neil Robertson revealed at the trade body's annual lunch. The total figure for charitable giving equates to £3,000 per pub.

BII Licensee of the Year: It's the final countdown

10-May-2011 By PMA Reporter

Read our profiles of the enterprising finalists who are all in with a chance of winning the 2011 BII's Licensee of the Year Award today.

Still tying us up in knots

10-May-2011 By Peter Coulson

Peter Coulson is pleased that individual licensees are being encouraged by the BII's top man to lodge their complaints against red tape.

Lingley crowned BII Licensee of the Year

10-May-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Darran Lingley of the Five Bells in Colne Engaine, Colchester, Essex, has been named the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) licensee of the year.

The high cost of shoddy advice

09-May-2011 By Peter Coulson

Be wary of the number of advisers and agents, all promising to save you money or sort out your financial problems, says Peter Coulson.

'Right to Buy may not stop pub closures'

09-May-2011 By Gurjit Degun

The Government's Community Right to Buy scheme will do little to save local services such as pubs from closure, warned the British Property Federation.