Meet the Publican Awards nominees: Best Pub Employer (1-499 employees), sponsored by Sky

Bel & The Dragon​

South England-based operator, Bel & The Dragon, has been shortlisted for the pride it takes in nurturing its staff. The operator of seven sites develops its staff in all areas – from sending members of bar staff on wine courses to taking its food team fishing in Cornwall.

Cornerstone Inns​

The winner of Best Community Pub Operator at the 2016 Publican Awards​ has this year also been nominated for its strong ethos as an employer in this category. During the past year, Cornerstone has been establishing an employees’ benefit trust and will hope that its community-centric approach to employment will lead to success at the awards in March.

The Coaching Inn Group​

The independent operator formerly known as Bulldog Hotel Group has recently launched its Rising Star programme, which aims to fast-track employees into management positions. Managing director of the company, Kevin Charity, said: "We pride ourselves on our staff retention levels and on the number of employees who have worked their way up within the business. However, as we grow we know that retention and development of our best employees becomes increasingly important." 

The Draft House​

Ten-strong operator, The Draft House, opened its first site outside of London in 2016 by expanding to Milton Keynes. This expansion​ is a part of a three-year plan outlined in late 2015 that has still seen the operator keep employee welfare at the heart of its operations.

• For more information on The Publican Awards, visit its dedicated website​.​​