Focus South West: View from the Top

Those of us who live and work in the South West count ourselves extremely fortunate that we can share in the fantastic quality of life it offers.

Our region's spectacular coastline and countryside, historic towns and villages and strong heritage all contribute to making it a very desirable location to live, work - and to spend leisure time.

No doubt people's pride in this region helps build the strong, vibrant communities whose social lives are still often focused around the local pub.

The South West's population has grown by more than 20 per cent since the 1980s as people have chosen to relocate here. This, combined with the seasonal influx of tourists and second-home owners, has had a significant effect on the region's economy, which has been growing strongly in recent years.

It is a trend reflected in the pub trade, with many top-quality licensees choosing to develop their careers in the South West. The attractions are numerous, with most looking for that perfect combination of a better work-life balance, a pretty pub amid beautiful scenery and lively communities with good schooling for their children.

However, in a tough period nationally for the trade, we can't claim to be insulated from market forces.

While the rewards are there, running a successful pub in Cornwall or Devon brings its own challenges and it can be as hard as anywhere in the UK.

Working with seasonal fluctuations and the challenges for cashflow and staffing they bring takes some getting used to. For some licensees it can be unnerving to find themselves at the helm of a pub where they only make their profit in the summer.

The best pubs in our region are the ultimate in adaptable businesses - fantastic community pubs serving local customers and also welcoming, top-quality destination venues geared to the demands of the tourist market. It's a difficult balance but one licensees have to get right.

Perhaps the greatest change in the last decade has been the food revolution in the South West. Largely started by Rick Stein in Padstow, it now sees celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs in many South West towns and villages.

This abundance of cooking talent, combined with growing customer demand for fresh, local produce, is raising the game for all food businesses.

The growing value of local provenance is para-lleled in the resurgence of the Cornish brewing industry. Local cask ales and ciders such as St Austell's own Tribute and Cornish Cyder Farm's Rattler are outselling national brands in many pubs - and are being chosen by visitors to the area as well as local customers. Our own barrelage this year is at record levels and in the past three years we have twice carried out major investments to expand brewing capacity.

As we move into uncertain economic times, I remain confident the South West is in a much stronger position than in previous decades to weather the downturn. The wider Cornish economy has benefited significantly from European funding, which has improved the county's infrastructure and economic base, putting it in a more robust position than when facing the last recession in the early 1990s.

At the same time the region's vastly improved quality of customer experience and its reputation for food, drink and customer service will help ensure tills keep ringing in our pubs.

James Staughton is managing director of Cornwall's St Austell Brewery​