Change is most definitely in the air, and uncertainty is likely to hold sway in the coming weeks and months. There appears to be little political leadership or any great plan following the shock turn of events.
At the time of writing, it’s hard to assess the impact the decision will have on the pub sector in the short or medium term. It’s clear there are serious concerns about a possible recession and how the ongoing uncertainty is going to impact consumer spending habits.
However, it’s time for cool and clear thinking and, as an industry, for the time being it’s probably a case of keeping calm and carrying on until the picture becomes clearer.
New world
One area I can offer certainty on is that the PMA will be with the trade every step of the way, providing the latest information, advice and resources you will need to manage the choppy waters ahead.
And to do that, we’re making some rather exciting and fundamental changes, with no uncertainty at all!
This is the last issue of the PMA in its current format but, fear not — from 11 July, we are moving to a fortnightly format with a comprehensively larger magazine, with a new look and a new name. The pub industry is changing, and we have to change with it — information is sought in different ways, and we are responding to those changing demands.
Fortnightly
As part of that, your new fortnightly title is going to completely focus on features and analysis — giving you the business tools and inspiration you need to get to grips with the key issues you face on a regular basis. Daily breaking news will now be delivered entirely online, enriched with a diet of video, audio and how-to-guides to boost your businesses.
This combined with our new operations-focused magazine creates the perfect one-stop shop for all news, information and ideas you need to thrive in the pub sector.
The PMA has been running for 222 years, and is the longest continuously published newspaper in the world — I’m not just looking to evolve the offer moving forward, we’re hoping to make revolutionary changes to ensure the magazine continues to thrive for another 222 years.
Changes
I’m giving you just a flavour of some of the changes that are afoot, but you’ll have to wait until 11 July to see the full picture, but rest assured, we’re very excited about our plans moving forward.
As I said at the start, we’re promising positive and serious change, but one thing that will not change at all, is that we are and will remain the leading title focused on serving the licensed trade and will continue to advise, campaign and speak for the licensed pub operator.