MorningAdvertiser Opinion The Guv'nor

Will the pub industry code work? I won’t hold my breath

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:13:02 +0200

Having bought the freehold of our property from Enterprise Inns last October, we have had to adjust to a slightly different scenario in our business. Times remain very challenging but brewers are so supportive of freeholders it makes life seem better.

The path to triumph in the BII’s top award

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:22:19 +0200

Stepping into the Bloomsbury Hotel in central London as one of the judges for this year’s BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) Licensee of the Year award brought back fond and frightening memories of last year when I was on the other side of the table.

The future of tied pubs is in our hands

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:44:44 +0200

Self-regulation of the tied pub sector was given an eight-year chance, but by last December the Government acknowledged that it had not had the desired effect. Tied licensees were still suffering hardship and not enough pub profits were going to lessees and tenants, argues Simon Clarke.

Pubwatch schemes provide vital guidance

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:33:30 +0100

I am pleased to announce that I have recently been asked by National Pubwatch to be its regional representative for the East Midlands, a position that I have proudly accepted.

The life of a mother and licensee

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:07:00 +0100

I often thought what effect having a baby would have on my career in the hospitality industry. As I just recently gave birth I'm on a journey of finding out.

Harnessing the power of the written word

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:10:47 +0100

We were recently lucky enough to have Pete Brown come along to the Thatchers Arms to host a reading of his latest book, Shakespeare’s Local.

Very sadly, it’s time gentlemen, please...

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:18:56 +0100

It is with a heavy heart and a sorry soul that my wife and I have decided not to renew our contract and to leave our pub.

Give guests a reason to visit your pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:42:25 +0100

2013 is already well underway and it is safe to assume it is going to be another challenging year. One thing that is clear this year is that certain businesses are weathering the storm better than others.

The perils and perks of running a pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:34:33 +0100

Managing people — getting someone to do what you want done, willingly and well — is important, whether you have one employee or many and it is possibly one of the biggest challenges, especially in the hospitality industry.

Adding value to your pub's offer can keep trade up

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:37:54 +0100

Amidst industry wide disappointment over summer trading & the government’s apparent lack of support for the Great British Pub, hopefully we will all enjoy a bumper festive season to round off 2012. Many publicans, like me, will already be wondering what is in store for 2013. Starting with the traditionally bleak month of January what can be done to keep the trade up?

New Google business tool can benefit your pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:18:59 +0100

I recently stumbled upon what I think to be a great marketing tool from Google, ‘Google Business Photos’. Increasingly people search for businesses online. Google’s Street-view can bring them down your road but Business Photos brings them right into your premises!

Apprentice schemes should be embraced by the pub industry

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:41:02 +0100

On my evening commute home on the London Underground I have been reading with interest the campaign to get young adults back into work and for businesses to rise to the challenge of creating apprenticeship positions in their company and, in the words of the Evening Standard, give potential future talent a chance.

Buying the freehold of your pub is worth the hassle

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:50:26 +0200

For the 30 years I have been in pubs, owning your own freehold has always seemed the holy grail: freetrade prices, capital growth, no area manager, rent reviews or flow monitoring. Affordable freeholds have always been available, but not in our area.

Let’s all face the facts, self-regulation will fail

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:56:43 +0200

The Government’s answer to the select committee’s inquiry into pubcos did not seek to accommodate the recommendation that lessees should be given an option to choose a free-of-tie agreement at lease renewal or rent review, accompanied by an open-market rent review, writes Simon Clarke.

Reading the Cask Report will boost real ale sales at your pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:52:08 +0200

Cask Ale Week, the Cask Report and the latest Good Beer Guide launch has left me feeling very upbeat about the industry. Cask ale is at the heart of British brewing heritage and should be celebrated.

Focus on the product as well as the smile at your pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:22:00 +0200

I recently returned from Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city, and my adopted home town. Customer service in Gothenburg (and most of Sweden) is absolutely spot-on. I would even say that, for me, it comes close to faultless.

Alcohol minimum pricing is the best lifeline to help licensees

Mike.Berry@wrbm.com (Mike Berry) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:39:16 +0200

Imagine that a huge number of pub owners, tenants and lessees continue to be on the verge of going bust as the steady trend towards drinking at home, instead of drinking in the pub, continues, says Tony Brookes.

Hospitality industry needs role models to show that it is an attractive career path

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:27:39 +0200

Why the hang-up with hospitality? Is hairdressing glamorous and pub work not? Why does the service industry not attract more youngsters for a lifelong, professional, fulfilling career? I have come to the conclusion that it can’t be the money.

Look after pub punters and they’ll look after you

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:50:20 +0200

We are very lucky to have both a bar billiards and a quoits team. Roughly once a fortnight we have the opportunity to entertain a visitingteam and show them what we’re all about. We are expected to feed around 10 to 12 players.

The value of a chair at your pub

Adam.Pescod@wrbm.com (Adam Pescod) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:16:57 +0200

Last year I went through the very painful but exciting process of refurbishing a pub. The pub has 80 covers inside and a big outside area with at least 80 covers, possibly 200 when it can cope with the volume.