Paul Charity Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Fresh news from the real world of rents

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:10:00 GMT

In the real world of commercial properties, tenants are pushing for ever better deals, writes Paul Charity.

Jim Walsh: his restless energy will be missed

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:42:00 GMT

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 Paul Charity.

Correction: there’s been a few mistakes

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMT

Our major suppliers should recognise that the pub sector is still a robust one, broadly in rude health, with a very healthy long-term future, writes Paul Charity.

5,000 freeholds for sale as pubcos shrink

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:55:00 GMT

The formal demerger of Punch Taverns into managed and leased companies at the start of this month was a symbolic moment, writes Paul Charity.

A masterclass in how to be a better boss

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

There is a component of success in the pub trade that’s really powerful if it can be harnessed — the relationship between you and your staff, writes Paul Charity.

The boom: a field day for spivs and sharks

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:34:00 GMT

It’s good to see justice arrive on Shaun Kiely’s doorstep, writes Publican's Morning Advertiser editor, Paul Charity.

Bold investors can still do well on the high street

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMT

The Stonegate-Town & City merger displays that the high street can still bring rewards with big investment, writes Paul Charity.

The truth on pubs is too complex for the Mail

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMT

Consumers have become more value-conscious and discerning, but still like to treat themselves, writes Paul Charity.

Franchises: new deal for tenants

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:08:00 GMT

Tenanted pub companies are trialling franchise agreements. Paul Charity takes a look at progress so far.

Punch tenants first up in hunt for bargains

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:42:00 GMT

The obvious and rather high hurdle for tenants remains the need to raise a lot of equity to obtain the necessary bank lending, says Paul Charity.

Steady-as-you-go is no longer adequate

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Franchising is a development long overdue in the tenanted pub world, says PMA editor Paul Charity.

The art of re-invention key to staying ahead

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:59:00 GMT

There comes a time, no matter how successful you’ve been, when your offer needs refreshing, says Paul Charity.

Nightclub king signals big market change

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:40:00 GMT

The traditional nightclub has been well and truly side-swiped by a half dozen different crunching factors, says Paul Charity.

Greene King harnesses the power of franchising

Thu, 19 May 2011 10:33:00 GMT

The tenanted pubco model is not dead. Especially not if you happen to run a managed division, says Paul Charity.

A rich day in terms of fantastic trading ideas

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 GMT

PMA editor Paul Charity reflects on the great ideas put in place by this year's four BII Licensee of the Year finalists.

Triumph and tragedy in the tenanted trade

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:22:00 GMT

The recent sales of Realpubs and Geronimo Inns are great examples of how well the tenanted model can work for entrepreneurs, says Paul Charity.

The Bull’s Head — the genre-busting pub

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:18:00 GMT

The task for the bulk of the pub industry is about evolving the offer — and it could do worse than looking at the Bull's Head in Repton.

VAT lessons from the French master

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Paul Charity explains why having French entrepreuneur Jacques Borel on our side for the call to cut VAT gives us a much more powerful case.

United we stand to champion the pub trade

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:54:00 GMT

Welcome to the first edition of The Publican’s Morning Advertiser — our task to become the industry’s indispensable guide, says Paul Charity.

RPI rents should be capped

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:56:00 GMT

The move towards RPI rent increases in new leases is in danger of making some licensees far less competitive, says Paul Charity.

Let’s take up Ted’s offer to fund a trade group

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:27:00 GMT

An effective representative body for licensees will take funding — even if that money comes from the pubcos, says Paul Charity.

Making pub staff feel valued

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:38:00 GMT

Communicating with staff and making them feel valued isn’t costly — and it can drastically reduce staff turnover, says Paul Charity.

Feed off big boys’ ingenuity

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:11:00 GMT

Pubs can capitalise on the fact that it’s good value, and more convenient, for punters to venture out to eat than dine at home, says Paul Charity.

Lighter options for the pub trade

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:39:00 GMT

Moving to British Double Summer Time before next year’s Olympics would be a great boost to the pub industry, says Paul Charity.

Tenanted pubs: more pressure

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:47:00 GMT

The pressure on tenanted pubs from the managed sector and wholesale price increases has taken another ratchet up, says Paul Charity.

The lure of managed profits

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:30:00 GMT

The five major managed pub operators are competing for the lion’s share of the eating-out market by acquiring quality managed pubs, says Paul Charity.

The BII ups its game

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:45:00 GMT

The BII’s dynamic approach to tackling the issues of the trade has laid the foundations for a more ambitious direction in the future, says Paul Charity.

The freehold option lifeline

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:15:00 GMT

A freehold option lease could unlock the potential in struggling pubs — attracting high-quality licensees who will invest, says Paul Charity,

Slow thaw to big trade freeze

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:59:00 GMT

December’s snowfall hit the pub trade hard, though some operators managed good sales growth, says Paul Charity.

Paying lip service to pubs

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:57:00 GMT

Worrying elements still remain in the revisions to the licensing reform, says Paul Charity.

Paul Charity: 10 lessons from 10 years

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:45:00 GMT

MA editor Paul Charity reflects on the first ten years of the new Millennium and what lessons have been learnt.

A tale of two pubcos’ tails

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:08:00 GMT

Contrasting results at Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns highlight the pubcos’ differing challenges, says Paul Charity.

Gastropubs: waving the flag of excellence

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:06:00 GMT

The Morning Advertiser’s Top 50 Gastropubs list highlights the amazing progress that pub food is making, says Paul Charity.

Alarming trends in pre-loading

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Our survey shows the frequency of home drinking and the sharp decline in the traditional weekend night out, says Paul Charity.

The evolution of proper pubs

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:18:00 GMT

The ranks of multiple retailers are growing as the sector throws up increasing site opportunities, says Paul Charity.

Given the will, there's a way

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:17:00 GMT

Many freehold pubs are changing hands despite talk of hamstrung banks unwilling to lend money, says Paul Charity.

Sea change in the pub marketplace

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:15:00 GMT

The independent sector is set to gain from the large companies shedding pubs, says Paul Charity.

Banishing the f-word from pubs — failure

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:08:00 GMT

Tenant failure has been a widespread disease that now needs eradicating, says Paul Charity.

Pub trade needs a peasants’ revolt

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:34:00 GMT

ALMR chairman Tim Sykes has come up with a plan to mobilise the trade against the Government’s damaging licensing reforms.

Pubs need a clearer voice

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:38:00 GMT

Retailers must speak with one voice if they are to even begin the process of winning over political hearts and minds, says Paul Charity.

Celebrating the pub trade’s finest

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:04:00 GMT

The winners of the Great British Pub Awards are shining examples of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication, says Paul Charity.

A Big Idea, but is it a big mistake?

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:16:00 GMT

High-street consolidation is back on the cards — but does it make sense, asks MA editor Paul Charity.

The slow death of the long lease

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:02:00 GMT

Tenants signing up to long leases need to have a very strong business strategy to survive the full term, says Paul Charity.

Beware the GMB’s dodgy promises

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:35:00 GMT

Pub tenants need a strong trade group, but the GMB’s efforts have been flawed, says Paul Charity.

The spectre of minimum pricing

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:27:00 GMT

Minimum pricing might seem like a good idea, but it will hand power outside the industry to dictate pricing policy for pubs, says Paul Charity.

Theresa May’s sense and nonsense

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMT

With licensing reform on the cards, the trade will be hoping that Home Secretary Theresa May shows a sense of perspective, says Paul Charity.

A shining example of a true host

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:41:00 GMT

The entire north Norfolk coast has been transformed by the commitment of the late Paul Whittome, owner of the Hoste Arms, says Paul Charity.

Is Sky no longer the limit?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMT

Sky costs the average pub £8k a year. But the benefits of its new charging regime could make a difference to the sector, says Paul Charity.

Future’s in our collective hands

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:03:00 GMT

We have an increasing focus on business-building and encouraging licensees to move up the retail standards curve, says Paul Charity.

Keeping your eye on the ball

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:35:00 GMT

It has been tough in the trade for the last couple of years, but retail excellence and innovation is the way to success, says Paul Charity.

Service: the virtues of feedback

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:37:00 GMT

Providing an online forum for customers to rate their pub experiences will demonstrate how seriously the trade takes their opinions, says Paul Charity.

Helping staff to reach their peak

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:28:00 GMT

Under-performance among staff in a company is often down to a lack of support and training, says Paul Charity.

The pub trade’s got talent

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:43:00 GMT

As one of the judges for the BII Licensee of the Year awards, Paul Charity reveals the secret that led Richard and Loren Pope to win the title.

What we all need to know

Fri, 07 May 2010 08:59:00 GMT

Mitchells & Butlers’ decision to sell its 300 high-street and town-centre wet-led pubs is an historic moment, says Paul Charity.

Make friends with technology

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:16:00 GMT

The sheer quantity of technological innovation on so many fronts is creating tsunami-like waves of change, says Paul Charity.

Punch steps away from the cake

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:48:00 GMT

Licensees can be put off by the way pubcos grab their profits through rent. Punch has a new plan to retain good operators, says Paul Charity.

Bargain hard in buyers' market

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:45:00 GMT

Given the current economic climate, what should tough-minded new licensees be asking for in their leases, says Paul Charity.

Retail is the new reality

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:02:00 GMT

The departure of Punch boss Giles Thorley is part of a changing of the guard trend, says Paul Charity.

Thorley: Paving the way for retail-led growth

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:39:00 GMT

Last week Giles Thorley revealed he was leaving Punch Taverns later this year. Paul Charity gives a view on the departure.

Drinking climate’s changing

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:55:00 GMT

It's almost five years since the Licensing Act came into force, and evidence suggests drinking habits have evolved, says Paul Charity.

Lovering’s brave new vision for M&B

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:36:00 GMT

Managed company Mitchells & Butlers unveiled a new business strategy last week. Paul Charity looks at the plan

Healey is foggy on the tie

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:45:00 GMT

Pubs minister John Healey waded into the tie debate last week, but was vague on the detail, says Paul Charity.

Molson Coors goes for margin

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:03:00 GMT

Carling brewer Molson Coors has taken a rather significant — some would say unprecedented — step, says Paul Charity.

The tie's moral dimension

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:43:00 GMT

So where are we after last week’s pubco/tenant report? More than half of the UK’s pubs are subject to a supply agreement called the tie, says Paul Charity.

Steve Thomas’s last dance

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:07:00 GMT

What did for Big Steve Thomas? Paul Charity gives a personal view of Luminar’s departing boss.

GMB: playing chicken with pubcos

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:26:00 GMT

Our local GMB meeting was full of vehemence, but failed to reassure tenants on the legality of any future industrial action, says Paul Charity.

Healey starts with a pub crawl

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:06:00 GMT

The newly-appointed pubs minister John Healey was on his rounds last week visiting pubs in his Wentworth constituency.

Healey's a friend, but is it too late?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:51:00 GMT

John Healey has been made minister for pubs — but he might not have enough time to make an impact, says Paul Charity.

Beer price rises are a test of character

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:12:00 GMT

Pubcos can’t keep pushing through wholesale prices — the sustainable way forward is through innovative retailing, says Paul Charity.

Sky 3D Live Screening: Paul Charity reports

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:13:00 GMT

Paul Charity reports from the world's first live 3D sports screening at a Fuller's pub in Ealing as Manchester United beat Arsenal.

M&B set for boardroom blitz

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:30:00 GMT

High noon in the on-going battle of wills between M&B management and rebel shareholders is set for the company’s annual general meeting today.

Live sport — a 2010 pub till-filler

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:27:00 GMT

The World Cup is the biggest spectators’ event this year, but there are plenty of other sporting events to help attract customers, says Paul Charity.

Polarised performances, pre-packs and propcos

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:26:00 GMT

2009 was a year of recession in the wider econony. Paul Charity looks at the key themes that emerged in the pub sector.

Pubco pressure will not abate

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:43:00 GMT

The BISC was a PR nightmare at a time when pubcos are trying to convince that a new era of transparency is beginning, says Paul Charity.

JDW’s amazing 30-year journey

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:18:00 GMT

Tim Martin started with a single pub, stood behind the bar, moved himself along the difficult learning curve of running a pub badly and then better, says Paul Charity.

Get pub licensees to stay longer

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMT

A rising length of tenure and falling rate of churn of licensees is a good target for the trade, says Paul Charity.

Pub profit forecasts set fair

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:35:00 GMT

Punch and Enterprise have abandoned the estimation of tenants’ average annual incomes — but the expected profit figure is much more helpful, says Paul Charity.

Micros doing it for themselves

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Microbrewers passionate about beer are enjoying tax breaks from Progressive Beer Duty and capitalising on the benefits of running their own pubs.

Pub rent RPI: the softly-softly approach

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT

An unthinking approach to RPI rent increases will cause pressure in pub estates, particularly as inflation is likely to return next year.

The arcane world of pub rents

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:03:00 GMT

A process that is perceived by all sides to be fairer and less arcane stands to take the heat out of one more big area of the tenant/pubco relationship, says Paul Charity.

What the multiples think

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:30:00 GMT

One key relationship in the pub sector is the one between pubcos and their multiple tenants. Paul Charity looks at the results of a Morning Advertiser survey of 24 multiple companies.

The limits to pubco giving

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:20:00 GMT

Trying to broker an agreement with the parties involved in mediation talks between pub tenants and their landlords was described by one observer as “like herding cats”, says Paul Charity.

Telling the stories of success

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:09:00 GMT

The Morning Advertiser has many roles, but the most important is disseminating the lessons that can be learned from great retailing experiences, says Paul Charity.

City Diary — 15 october

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:30:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City.

Marston's: hitting new-build home runs

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:39:00 GMT

Marston’s plans to build 60 new pubs in three years. Paul Charity met managed division boss Derek Andrew to talk about the company’s strategy.

Time to march to same beat

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:20:00 GMT

A need for radical change means the trade must take collective responsibility for raising standards, says Paul Charity.

Analysis: Enterprise’s call to auction

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:15:00 GMT

Next week Enterprise Inns hopes to sell the freehold of seven of its best pubs in an Allsops auction. Paul Charity looks at the move.

City Diary — 8 October

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:23:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City.

City Diary - 2 Oct

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:57:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City

Carlsberg tackles on-trade

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:22:00 GMT

Isaac Sheps took over the reins of Carlsberg UK last October. Paul Charity spoke to him.

What the Brooker pub rent ruling means

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:03:00 GMT

Enterprise licensees Charles and Leslie Brooker have won a rent review case against the company. Paul Charity looks at the judgement.

City Diary — 24 September

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:10:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City

Service, the final frontier

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Customers appreciate a value offer for their pub experience, but one of the best ways to get an edge is well-trained and motivated staff, says Paul Charity.

City Diary — 17 September

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City.

Where Wetherspoon wins

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:22:00 GMT

Wetherspoon’s results show that there’s an awful lot that the pub chain is doing right — what can we learn from it?

Pubcos go separate ways over AWP tie

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMT

The bruising Business & Enterprise Committee report on the pubco/tenant relationship in May this year was no less than a major body shock for the sizeable tenanted companies

Time for an ombudsman?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:32:00 GMT

Everybody knows that it makes sense for disagreements to be sorted out quickly, in a way that both parties feel is fair and just.

City Diary — 3 September

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:56:00 GMT

All the latest gossip and rumour from the City.

GBPA point way forward

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Times may be tough, but the high standards championed by the licensees in the Great British Pub Awards provide great hope for the future, says Paul Charity.

City Diary

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:49:00 GMT

City Diary