Michael Turner
Michael Turner, chairman, Fuller's
Corporate goal for the year?
To continue to grow both our retail and brewing businesses and deliver excellent returns for our shareholders.
Any opportunity to grow your business?
I think there will be opportunities out there, but it is going to be a challenging year. We have a long-term focus and I think that will help us to get through the tough times that may be ahead. We have an excellent team of people both at head office and in our pubs, and if we continue with our focus on outstanding cask-conditioned ales, delicious food, great wines and exemplary service, and stick to our goal of running the best pub in any area, I think we will see growth this year.
If there is a downturn in the economy, how bad is it going to get?
Sometimes it can be self-perpetuating. I think the media are helping to convince people there is going to be a downturn, so consumers act accordingly, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. I think times are going to be tough, but I am not an economist, so I don't think it's for me to predict how good or bad the situation might be.
Where's the light at the end of the tunnel?
Pubs and beer have been a part of our culture for centuries and I don't think that's about to change. Although there is some short-term pain as a result of the smoking ban, I think that smoke-free pubs will be much better places to go to in the long term.
If political pressure increases, what's our best form of defence?
We must act responsibly, we must stick together, and we must get rid of those bad apples that offer silly discounts and encourage a minority to over do it and cause trouble.
Our best form of defence is to mobilise the millions of people who enjoy a drink responsibly on a regular basis, and who don't want to see any more nanny-state interference. The clear message should be that alcohol in moderation is good for you, and that the pub is the home of responsible drinking.
Biggest challenge your business faces?
I think the anti-alcohol tirade is the biggest challenge our business has ever faced and it isn't about to go away overnight.
Personal goal for the year?
My personal goal is to stay ahead of my four sons on the family skiing holiday and live to tell the tale.
Favourite quotation or business adage?
My favourite quotation is by the poet and writer Paul Valéry, who was born in France in 1871: "The problem with our times is that the future is not what it used to be."
