Business support - Money Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Innovate: Notts pub offers 1981 prices for Royal Wedding

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Roy Wood, of the Cross Keys, Upton, Nottinghamshire, has decided to offer drinks at 1981 prices for the royal wedding.

Thinking culture: the best pub business ideas

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

AB InBev boss Stuart MacFarlane says pubs should embrace new concepts. Phil Mellows asked six operators how they get their business ideas.

Book your place at Freehouse-500 event

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMT

The next meeting of the Freehouse 500, the Morning Advertiser’s exclusive club for the 500 best UK freehouses, takes place on Tuesday 16 March.

S&NPC offers up business boosting scheme

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:53:00 GMT

Pub goers will now be able to order flowers, drop off their dry cleaning or order a take-away pizza while enjoying a pint.

Lincolnshire pub revives barter economy

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:10:00 GMT

The Bugle Horn in Bassingham is thriving thanks to the success of a bartering system where locals swap services and goods for drinks.

The power of pub events

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:26:00 GMT

Robyn Lewis investigates how licensees can get customers in their pubs with a big event.

What if they don’t notice?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:36:00 GMT

Online applications raise their own questions, such as what if councils don't notify people, says Peter Coulson.

MA helps to save licensee’s house

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:01:00 GMT

A licensee who was in danger of losing his house over a backdated electricity bill for £5,000 doesn’t have to pay a penny after the Morning Advertiser intervened.

‘Green guru’ gives pub energy tips

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:43:00 GMT

A “green guru” has issued tips to licensees on making changes to their property to save money.

£100m to help slash pub energy costs

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:52:00 GMT

The Carbon Trust has made £100m available in interest free loans to help pubs slash energy costs.

New website to promote pub events

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:12:00 GMT

A new website allowing users to search for up-to-the-minute real time events in pubs across the country has been launched.

BHA launches food safety package for pubs

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:01:00 GMT

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has launched a new computer package to help pubs manage food safety.

500 pubs sign up for parcel delivery scheme

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:22:00 GMT

More than 500 pubs have now signed up to a scheme that boosts trade by using pubs as collection points for people’s parcels.

New lease of life for Turnpike Inn

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:51:00 GMT

A pair of former Wetherspoon managers, who rescued two Enterprise Inns pubs from oblivion last year, are set for a third opening in October.

Farmers’ meal service

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:01:00 GMT

A Warwickshire licensee has launched a plate-to-gate delivery service for farmers.

S&NPE helps tenants with events programme

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:03:00 GMT

Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE) has launched an events programme to help its tenants boost business.

How to become a cine-bar

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:16:00 GMT

You’ll need to pay for a special licence, but, as Gemma McKenna discovered, it can still be profitable to screen the latest movie hits.

Small business confused over energy efficiency

Mon, 18 May 2009 07:02:00 GMT

Half of all small business are unclear about what they need to to become more energy efficient, according to a new poll by British Gas Business.

SAV Pubs goes through pre-pack

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:44:00 GMT

Four-strong SAV Pubs is the latest company to undergo a pre-pack administration.

BBPA hosts insolvency forum

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The impact of insolvency for licensees and pub companies will be explored at a British Beer & Pub Association Key Issues Forum in Manchester next month.

Pubs urged to take advantage of Cheltenham Festival

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Licensees are being urged to take full advantage of the Cheltenham Festival to boost business.

Pre-packs: what’s the deal?

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:08:00 GMT

Pre-pack administrations have become increasingly controversial. David Moore, a partner with business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist Begbies Traynor, defends the pre-pack.

Pub ‘health check’ may net you £500

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Licensees in eastern England are being offered vouchers worth up to £500 for business advice to help keep their pubs afloat.

New pub support website launches

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:32:00 GMT

A new website designed to help licensees run their business effectively is to launch on 1 February.

Rent review advice: Can’t say fairer than that

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:46:00 GMT

Phil Dixon has some suggestions on how to ensure that your rent review has a welcome result for you, as well as your pubco.

Following the trade winds

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Cutter at Ely might have sunk without trace, but licensee Steve Haslam tells Graham Holter that the Enterprise pub has the wind in its sails once again

Wheel of fortune

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Licensee Pete Goodwin tells Nigel Huddleston how he and his wife, Yvonne, set about turning the Enterprise Inns Potter's Wheel in Buckley into a money spinner

Credit coercion

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Making business transactions with personal credit cards is illegal. Cookseys managing director David Morgan explains how new regulations affect who can be prosecuted

The Italian job

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Licensee Andy Knight tells Noli Dinkovski how a sale and leaseback has enabled him to develop the Dixie Arms Hotel and roll-out a successful line in pasta and pizza

The cover drive

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

John Molnar tells Noli Dinkovski how combining food and cricket have helped make Larwood & Voce a Punch Shine award winner

Well ahead

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Natalie Satchell of the Flask, in London's Hampstead village, and Young's Phil Dukelow tell Nigel Huddleston about the art of retaining Victorian charm in a contemporary setting

A Pond rich in life

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Giving the Inn on the Pond a major makeover requires investment, but owners Jane and Peter Eyles hope it will reap dividends from Surrey's affluent surroundings. Joe Lutrario investigates

Period piece

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Bringing Bournemouth's Victorian Brunswick up to date while retaining authentic features was a satisfying challenge for Lee and Lisa Sainsbury. Nigel Huddleston reports

Background

The Brunswick: The pub is an authentic piece of Victorian street-corner architecture with many..

Avoiding warfare

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Noise complaints can seriously affect a pub's value. Paul Davey, managing director of Davey & Co property agents, suggests solutions

Hidden gem

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Kelly Smith ventures into the Vaults to discover how two Birmingham business partners turned a Victorian workhouse basement into a stylish bar

Background

The partnership: Food consultant Julian Brown spent 20 years as a chef and previously owned a bar-restaurant in..

To buy or not to buy

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Thinking about taking on a pub? Don't be one of the newcomers who overlook some simple golden rules, says Tony Halstead

Protecting your assets

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Running a pub is difficult enough without insurance issues and financial conundrums weighing you down. Take a load off with some help from the experts, says Graham Ridout

Winner at a tender age

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Laura Condliffe was just 24 when she took on her first pub. Less than two years later it's been saluted as Marston's Pub of the Year. Joe Lutrario finds out how she did it

The right path

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Following recent redundancy, Mr R is keen to fulfil his dream of running a pub with his wife, but the way forward is confusing. How viable is the option of becoming a self-employed manager?

Prudence pays

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Paul Davey, managing director of Davey & Co, advises careful business planning in forecasting property values

Runway success

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Nigel Huddleston explores the renaissance of a Kent pub, based on the theme of early aviation pioneers

Unlocking potential

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Licensee Ian Mills tells Tony Halsted how he turned around the fortunes of the Cross Keys Hotel in Milnthorpe, Cumbria

Taking the bull by the horns

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Ewan Turney reports how an £800,000 investment by Geronimo Inns transformed the crumbling Bullfinch in Sevenoaks, Kent, into a modern, food-led venue

Financing refurbishments

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Licensee Bruce Randall is considering refurbishing his outdoor area and wants to know if the best way to borrow money is from his pubco in return for a rent rise

What women want

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The smoking ban was supposed to herald the end of the male-dominated boozer, but women will still need tempting in, says Punch beer & cider category manager Stephen Martin

Room at the top

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Barracuda manager Maxine Blake tells Ewan Turney how good training helped smash targets at the Cutting Room in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

Electric shock

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Steve Smith of the Travellers Rest, Sheffield, has seen his electricity bill shoot up by 300%. He wants help to find a way out

Paul Savage business services manager Energywatch

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Billing disputes are not uncommon when busy pub landlords are approached by sales brokers as they move into new premises. Although the cost you were quoted must have been an estimate, they should have clearly stated during the sales process on what unit rates of usage they were basing it. No..

Mike Higham consultant Pro-Eco

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

It is disappointing that the brewery agent recommended the supply company it did. Your case is typical of some of the bad industry practices where frequently agents' commission influences where the business is placed. Estimates are often nothing other than a wild guess where the sum is based..

Ali Carter former BII licensee of the year and industry consultant

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

It annoys me that I keep hearing the same story from experienced licensees who are caught out in this way. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but the best way to avoid this problem is not to sign or verbally agree to any contract in the first week or two, however reasonable it seems. It takes..

Steve Smith responds:

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Since asking the Morning Advertiser for help, I have been sent yet another rise. I think because I am in dispute, they have decided to screw me down. The latest rise is to £1,080.88 - it's an absolute joke. I have spoken to a number of pubs nearby, some of which are bigger, and they pay about..

Budgeting for all the add-ons

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Be alert to the hidden costs when buying a pub lease, says Simon Stracey, commercial director at Marlborough Leisure

Brains behind style

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Brewer SA Brain spent £855,000 to radically transform a run-down family pub in Cardiff into the Grape & Olive, a stylish food-led venue. Ewan Turney reports

Background

Grape & Olive: Formerly a Whitbread-run Charlie Chalk family pub, known as the Allensbank, the site was..

Hart of the community

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Darren Hales tells Ewan Turney how an exciting array of events has made Marston's Red Hart in Kington, Worcestershire, a vital venue for locals

Access all areas

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Antony Marshall tells Ewan Turney how catering for all types of customers helped increase trade at the True Lovers Knot, in Blandford, Dorset

Boxing clever

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Former amateur boxer Scott Murray tells Ewan Turney how he reached a £1m turnover at Bar Sport in Cannock, Staffordshire

After the floods

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The recent floods have left hundreds of pubs devastated but help is at hand. Noli Dinkovski sets out a step-by-step guide to get your pub up and running as soon as possible.

On the right tracks

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Ewan Turney finds out how a £147,000 investment transformed the Brighton Belle Inn, Winsford, Cheshire, from a dark and tired boozer to a stylish, cosmopolitan venue

Background

Brighton Belle Inn: The pub originally took its name from one of the first electric trains - the..

Rent increase is a bolt from the blue

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Mrs K's pubco claims to have found a lease amendment signed by a previous lessee, agreeing to a rent increase

Graeme Bunn, Director, Fleurets

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Your situation is complex and clearly unfortunate. Given the circumstances you have highlighted, I anticipate that the principal matter of the uncovering of the lease amendment is a legal issue. It is possible that you would have a valid claim against the vendor for misrepresentation. As the..

mrs k's response

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. All the experts seem to be saying the same - and they cheered me up a lot. The document is a Deed of Variation, so it seems clear that it should have been registered with the Land Registry, and that the pubco's solicitors should have..

David Morgan, Managing Director, Cookseys DMP

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Third-party liability is fertile ground for solicitors - and it's expensive. The pubco was a third party to the contract, its solicitors did not challenge the transfer of title and the Land Registry has no record of the rent amendment. The pubco required £12,000 rent from May 2006 and was quite..

Chris Platts, Partner, Brownhill Vickers and Platts

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

I find it hard to believe that your pubco has suddenly "found" a lease amendment and is looking to enforce it. Your first port of call must be the pubco to find out exactly what this alleged increase in rent related to. If you are experiencing problems with your area manager, I suggest that..

Basking in success

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Philip Davison tells Ewan Turney how a marketing seminar helped him achieve £750,000 worth of sales at the Wadworth-owned Sun in the Wood, in Ashmore Green, Berkshire

Blackpool wizard

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Adrian Clay tells Tony Halstead how he increased sales four-fold in four months when he took on the Trust Inns tenancy of the Raikes Hall in Blackpool

Earning a crust

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Carl Smith tells Ewan Turney how building a great team has helped him and wife Pauline increase trade at two Young's pubs in Mayfair, London

How to...conduct a rent review

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:27:00 GMT

Rent reviews are a time of angst and confusion for many licensees but with good preparation and a clear head fair deals can be had, says Ewan Turney

The rentman cometh

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Rent reviews are a time of angst and confusion for many licensees. Ewan Turney reports the top tips from the BII's recent rent-review seminar

Hooked on style

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Ewan Turney discovers how St Austell's £443k investment transformed the Sharksfin in Mevagissey, Cornwall, from a derelict hotel into a premium bar with breathtaking views

Background

Sharksfin: The original Sharksfin was a hotel, complete with tea-room, on Mevagissey's..

Open and shut case

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

John Ellis tells Ewan Turney how his passion for quality real ale and a vibrant events programme increased trade at the Crown Inn in Oakengates, Shropshire

HIPs for pubs

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 06:25:00 GMT

David Morgan of Cookseys DMP says the industry must wake-up to the consequences of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive due to come into force next year

Pub HIPs set to hit the trade next year

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

From 2008 pubs will face energy checks that could hit the value of businesses

Banking on the future

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Alex Rowland is thinking of buying a leasehold pub, but has concerns about the rent and raising additional finance

Do your homework

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Research and careful pre-planning are essential when it comes to buying a pub, says Minesh Patel, a licensed trade property solicitor at Stevensdrake

Bold Mill

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Ewan Turney finds out how a £340,000 refurbishment project helped to triple trade at Peach Pub Company's Old Mill in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, a Spirit pub converted to lease by Punch

People

Alan Turtill: Pubs are in Turtill's blood. His dad, Michael, has run the Old..

We're listening

Thu, 31 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Nigel Anstead tells Joe Lutrario how talking to customers, organising events and taking care of staff doubled sales and tripled net profits over two years at the White Horse in Bedford

Taking the bull by the horns

Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Carlos Maidana tells Ewan Turney how he made the leap from motor-racing to successful licensee at the S&NPE Grouse & Ale, High Wycombe, Berkshire

TV fame booster

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Kevin Wainwright tells Ewan Turney how he and partner David Little increased turnover four-fold within three years with the help of a TV documentary at the Bear & Bells in Beccles, Suffolk

Rent rise too far

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Mr Q is considering surrendering the lease of his Welsh pub because of a proposed rent increase by his pubco

David Morgan, managing director, Cookseys DMP

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

You have a supply-tied lease, index-linked to RPI annual increases (current "odd numbers" rent of £34,368) and agreed the last rent review five years ago at a count back to approximately £29,500. On current trade, that represented 18.3% of sales. But maximum tied rent should be 12.5% of total..

Martin Roslyn, chairman, Pub Accounting Company

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

What you would need to consider is the pubco's situation on the unit. They obviously feel that £45k is the optimum rent for the unit - although this is probably a starting offer and negotiations could take place. If that is the case you should, in theory, be taking £375,000 a year. First of..

Mr Q's response

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

I have read and digested the thoughts of these professional people with some interest. With regard to the food offer, we just don't have any car-parking facilities. We have parking outside for three cars for one hour only and I still feel this would be a real sticking-point. We did try food..

Banking on justice

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

A people's revolt has begun against disproportionate penalty bank charges. The Consumer Action Group explains how to fight your case

Calculating your profits

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Award-winning licensee Ali Carter offers simple formulas for keeping track of your profits as they grow

Severe failure rate for pubs

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Pubs, bars and restaurants are three times more likely to go bust than any other business, a new survey has revealed. A study of 150,000 business failures, undertaken by accountants UHY Hacker Young, revealed that 15.5% of businesses in the UK hospitality and catering sector fail every year,..

Pubs three times more likely to go broke

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:12:00 GMT

Pubs, bars and restaurants are three times more likely to go bust than any other business, a new survey has revealed.

Host No2 reclaims £4k bank charges

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 08:05:00 GMT

A Nottinghamshire licensee has successfully claimed back more than £4,000 in penalty bank charges from NatWest.

Host No2 reclaims £4k bank charges

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

A Nottinghamshire licensee has successfully claimed back more than £4,000 in penalty bank charges from NatWest. Andy Scattergood, Punch lessee of the Jug & Glass in Edwinstowe, was "over the moon" to receive a cheque for £4,110 and is now in the process of claiming back around £5,000 from..

Child's play

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

David Watts, licensee at the King's Head in Letheringsett, Norfolk, tells Ewan Turney what it takes to be named MA Family Pub of the Year

Child's play

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

David Watts, licensee at the King's Head in Letheringsett, Norfolk, tells Ewan Turney what it takes to be named MA Family Pub of the Year

Fingers in the till

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Julian Howard of the Coopers Arms in Nottingham suspects one of his staff may be stealing from the till

Alex McGill

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

director of marketing Venners stocktakers You should forbid your staff from having money on them whilst they are behind your bar, but you will need a secure place where they can leave their wallets/purses. Obviously, if you then discover that the suspect has money on him then it must have..

Anthony Mears

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

licensee, Ivy House, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire Firstly, is there any evidence to support your feeling that money is going missing, and are there any other suspects? It is a good idea to compile a shortlist of suspects, and objectively investigate them all. Unfortunately, the most..

Martin Roslyn

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

chairman, Pub Accounting Company Even if you don't believe you have a problem, undertaking regular checks on stock and staff is as big a deterrent as anything. 1. Conduct key line checks. Count the stock of 10 lines in the morning and again when trading has finished and compare the useage..

Planning for the future

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Careful thought at the beginning of a lease agreement can save you thousands in repair charges, says Davey & Co managing director Paul Davey

Dragon flies

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Steve Wragg tells Ewan Turney that cask ale has transformed trade at the Green Dragon in Market Lavington, Wiltshire

Hitting the right mark

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Brendan McBride tells Ewan Turney how employing quality staff helped the Spitfire in Kings Hill, Kent, scoop Shephed Neame's Pub of the Year award

GK takes chequecashing to 50 pubs

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Greene King (GK) Pub Partners plans to roll out cheque-cashing facilities to 50 pubs within six months. The pubco is the first to sign a deal with Cheque Inns following a successful trial at its pub the Three Elms in Windsor, Berkshire. Tenant Aidan Straw is currently cashing £4,500 worth of..

Alpha ale house

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Roger Cudlip tells Ewan Turney how a passion for real ale and a warm welcome helped the Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton, Devon, be crowned Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year

Building a new reputation

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Becky Newman tells how a love of real ale and strict standards helped the Bricklayer's Arms in Putney win awards after a two-year closure