Operations

£200k fighting fund to battle PPL

29-Sep-2011 By Adam pescod

Three leading trade associations have raised over £200,000 as a fighting fund to cover the costs of a potential legal battle with music royalties company PPL.

Plan properly to ensure end-of-year sales tonic

28-Sep-2011 By Graham Rowson

Proper planning prevents poor performance, and how true that is. Never before have the five P-words needed to be put into action and I mean now, as delay in proper strategic planning will cost you dearly in lost sales throughout the forthcoming end-of-year...

Barcrest deal creates pub gaming "powerhouse"

26-Sep-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Barcrest, the designer and maker of gambling games and games machines to the UK pub and amusement arcade market, has been acquired by Scientific Games Corporation, a US-based business with significant pub operations in the UK, in a deal thought to be...

Blackpool hosts get defibrillator training

22-Sep-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Licensees and staff at four Blackpool pubs are being trained by North West Ambulance Service to use defibrillators in case of emergencies.

Steamin’ Billy buys up the Dog & Gun

21-Sep-2011

Steamin’ Billy Brewing Company, the Leicester-based brewer and pub operator, has acquired the freehold of the Dog & Gun in Syston, Leicestershire, from Punch Taverns, taking its estate to six sites.

Celebrate with a banger

20-Sep-2011 By Lesley Foottit

The countdown to British Sausage Week 2011 has begun and as one of the nation’s favourite dishes, pub caterers would be mad not to use the occasion to drive sales. From 31 October to 6 November bangers will be big news. As the week falls over Halloween...

Tom Palmer: hard fought victory and bungee jumps

20-Sep-2011 By Tom Palmer

After a week in which we were subjected to all kinds of unwanted publicity from the media there was no doubting the resolve in the England camp in preparation for the game against Georgia — a side not unlike Argentina in the way they demand you to match...

Realising the potential of pubs

19-Sep-2011 By Phil Mellows

Whether it’s on the property or the operations side of the industry, Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company trading director Chris Moore has dedicated his career to unlocking the value in pubs. He can also pull a good pint, as he tells Phil Mellows.

Brakes’ parent losses up 37%

19-Sep-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

Cucina Lux, the parent company of foodservice supplier Brakes, saw losses increase 37% in 2010, with UK operating profits before exceptional items down 20.3% as sales growth slowed.

Price increases at 3663

16-Sep-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Food-led pubs are set for more doom and gloom over food prices, as foodservice company 3663 has confirmed that it will increase the cost of 35% of its products this month.

Dragons Done?

15-Sep-2011 By Publican Sam

It’s not often that the TV makes me want to write about it, but the latest episode of BBC TV’s Dragon’s Den (series 9, episode 7) caught my attention to such an extent that I want to share a few thoughts.

Live music de-regulation plan confirmed

12-Sep-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

Pubs will not require specific permission to host live music or other forms of entertainment for crowds under 5,000 — under radical plans that could prove a major boost for the industry.

Taking it and making it

08-Sep-2011 By Alastair Scott

How pub operators need to strike the right balance between making and saving money.

Premium pubs: a fine balance

07-Sep-2011 By Mark Stretton

The rise and fall of a west London pub is indicative of the perennial struggle of managed-house groups to win in the premium market, says Mark Stretton.

Be smart, make your Christmas plans now

07-Sep-2011 By Michael Kheng

So here we are again, the start of September and we all know what that means — or do we? Time to start thinking of tidying the outside areas? Time to think about Halloween? No, it’s time to start planning for Christmas, if you have not already started.

Nightclubs slated over £1 drinks

05-Sep-2011 By Gurjit Degun

Nightclubs in Leicester have come under fire for offering drinks for as little as £1 on certain nights.

The trying game

02-Sep-2011 By Noli Dinkovski

Noli Dinkovski looks at the opportunities presented by the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand on 9 September.

Luke Johnson's tips on running a successful business

02-Sep-2011 By Becky Paskin

Businesses must be tech-savy, improve their service standards, and ensure their menus and designs are innovative if they are to succeed in the future.

Jim Walsh: his restless energy will be missed

25-Aug-2011 By The PMA Team

Pub entrepreneur Jim Walsh, who has died aged 69, was the kind of character that leaves a strong impression on all those who were lucky enough to have known him, says The PMA Team.

Still getting his kicks (from pubs)

25-Aug-2011 By Jessica Harvey

Feargal Sharkey, CEO of UK Music, gives Jessica Harvey his views on the pub industry's role in the live-music scene. Describe the importance of pubs...

Gary Haigh takes over at Miller Brands UK

24-Aug-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

Miller Brands UK, the UK arm of international brewer SABMiller, has appointed Gary Haigh as its new managing director.

Christmas party venue decided by price per head

24-Aug-2011 By Lesley Foottit

Venue choices for Christmas meals out will be decided by spend per head, according to research by The Mystery Dining Company (TMDC).

Cygneture dish

24-Aug-2011 By Alison Baker

From working with the Roux brothers to becoming chef/patron of Norfolk's Ingham Swan, Daniel Smith tells Alison Baker about his successful journey.

Customers can't speak with their mouths full

24-Aug-2011 By Mark Daniels

In his latest blog, Mark Daniels suggests that there is such a thing as 'too much customer service'.

Leisure sector 'will drive economic growth'

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

Businesses view the hospitality and leisure sector as a key driver of economic growth in the UK over the next decade, according to a survey by...

Leisure sector 'latent vehicle for growth'

23-Aug-2011 By Ewan Turney

The leisure sector is a "latent vehicle for economic growth" providing 27% of jobs undertaken by young people, says BISL.

It's time to sell GBBF to the wider world

22-Aug-2011 By Tony Jennings

The Great British Beer Festival is becoming a venerable British institution but could benefit from a bit of a rethink, says Tony Jennings.

Sir John Fitzgerald reports £1.4m loss

22-Aug-2011 By John Harrington, M&C Report

North-east managed pub operator Sir John Fitzgerald (SJF) has reported a loss of £1,437,321 in the year to 31 January 2011.

Further growth for Faucet

22-Aug-2011 By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

Faucet Inn is planning further acquisitions and is to open its first new-build sites before the end of the year.

Sixty firms back Drinkaware campaign

22-Aug-2011 By Michelle Perrett

Sixty companies have agreed to get involved in the third year of Drinkaware's alcohol awareness campaign — Why Let Good Times Go Bad? The campaign...

Blue Star Pub Co pays down £14m

19-Aug-2011 By The PMA Team

Blue Star Pub Company, the 400-strong freehold tenanted pub firm owned by Heineken, has paid down £14m of its original £180m purchase price in the...

Is it only football that's commercial?

19-Aug-2011 By Mark Daniels

I have been pondering a question for a little while … it is one that will either make me appear incredibly thick (some would enjoy that) or will...

Marching to an indie tune

17-Aug-2011 By Pete Brown

The hipsters are starting to look backwards and mix and match their taste cues to assume an independent air and give off vibes of counter-culture, writes Pete Brown.

BII pub apprenticeship call

17-Aug-2011 By Adam Pescod

A new government-funded apprenticeship scheme launched by BII and People 1st yesterday has been lauded as "the answer" to establishing the pub industry as a viable career path for young people.

Riots: website and telephone line launched

17-Aug-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The Government has set up a website and telephone line for businesses seeking compensation for riot damage. Businesses, whose property or premises...

A sense of lad-venture

16-Aug-2011 By Phil Mellows

Blokes are no longer one-dimensional creatures who stick to the old, tried and tested drinks, Phil Mellows reports.

That's men-tertainment

15-Aug-2011 By Fiona McLelland

Quality beers, a quiz machine and some pork scratchings don't really cut it these days when it comes to luring chaps into the pub, reports Fiona McLelland.

Scrums of comfort

12-Aug-2011 By Noli Dinkovski

Licensees need to plan ahead to capitalise on this up-and-coming tantalising timetable of televised sport in pubs. As Noli Dinkovski discovers, there are plenty of ways to increase footfall and boost business.

Businesses lack creativity, claims Jongleurs founder

12-Aug-2011 By Mark Wingett

Maria Kempinska, the founder of iconic comedy brand Jongleurs, has hit out at UK leisure businesses, claiming that they lack "creativity" and "stifle...

BII to undergo radical shakeup

11-Aug-2011 By Ewan Turney

The BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) is to carry out a radical restructuring to create a more transparent, democratic organisation.

Steak out

11-Aug-2011 By Lesley Foottit

Edward Halls, licensee and head chef at the Rose & Crown in Great Horkesley, Essex, tells Lesley Foottit about building up a successful pub...

Riots: Losses could reach £392m

11-Aug-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The riots and looting across the UK have already cost retailers £80m in lost sales, according to research from Kelkoo. The figures, produced by the...

Riots: 10% of retail and leisure businesses affected

11-Aug-2011 By Michelle Perrett

More than 10% of UK retail and leisure businesses have already been directly affected by the looting and riots which have hit the country, claims...

Support growing for PPL boycott campaign

11-Aug-2011 By Adam Pescod

A Sheffield licensee calling for a boycott against the music royalties company PPL says he has had a "positive response" to a campaign he launched...

Time to break free

10-Aug-2011 By Phil Mellows

Freehouses remain highly desirable purchases in the pub property market and the number being bought and sold is picking up — though funding is still an issue, Phil Mellows reports.

Banks comply with small-firm lending

10-Aug-2011 By Michelle Perrett

The Project Merlin banks are on track to meet their lending commitments this year, the British Bankers' Association (BBA) has revealed.

Be in it to win it — and improve your offer

09-Aug-2011 By Graham Rowson

The Publican's Morning Advertiser's Great British Pub Awards offer licensees a great opportunity to analyse and improve their offer, says Graham Rowson.

Off the beaten track

09-Aug-2011 By Jessica Harvey

Pasha Honar, lessee at Brighton's Caxton Arms, talks jazz nights, great food and how to make the most of the pub's central but tucked-away location...

Soaring to new heights

08-Aug-2011 By Sheila McWattie

Sisi Ryder, co-licensee at the Phoenix Inn, near Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, tells Sheila McWattie why food and events are all-important. How we got...