Haslam: focus on retail standards not pubco debate

By Steve Haslam

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Better Improve Customer

Haslam: retail standards are key
Haslam: retail standards are key
Enough is enough, time to move on, dust ourselves down, leave the Pubco vs Lessee argument to run its course, says Steve Haslam.

Steve Haslam — multiple Enterprise lessee at the Cutter Inn, Ely and the new White Horse at Ramsden Heath — says we must move on from the pubco debate.

Enough is enough, time to move on, dust ourselves down, leave the Pubco vs Lessee argument to run its course.

If people continue to spend valuable time and effort on this, focus will be lost where it is most important. Let's not forget and neglect our businesses. All our energy at present should be on retail standards, Unique Selling Points (USP) and making a profit.

Let's start with retail standards. Time to take a long hard look at every last detail of our businesses. When did you last walk your building with the customer in mind?

Take a pad, do the walk, make the notes. Break it down to essential works to improve the environment that your customers are paying good money to eat and drink in.

Maybe it needs a lick of paint or just a good clean. Kerb appeal and first impressions are key. If people come in you need them to stay, comfortable surroundings are very important.

Next on the list are more expensive works or replacements — flooring, furniture, bar displays etc. If finances are tight, try to improve them on a budget. Don't replace — recover.

Don't bin it, restore it. Any improvements are better than none, and then there's the wish list — you may not be able to afford it, but make the list, it gives you something to plan for. But whatever it is, don't ignore it. Remember you are looking at this through the customer's eyes.

The USP — I believe too many people today spend too much time thinking about the competition. My belief is if you are better than them, then there is no competition.

By all means, look at what they are doing but don't copy and compete by being 10% cheaper. Look at their retail standards and make yours better.

Look at the kerb appeal — make sure you are standing out from the crowd. Look at their staff — are they smart, friendly and helpful? If not there's a winner for you. What's their offer and if it is good and they are pulling in the punters, ask yourself why.

You must be unique in some way, shape or form but do not get drawn into a price war. USP and retail standards are the key to keeping and winning new customers. So let's take that walk, make the notes, get proactive and move on to a better brighter more profitable future.

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