Lynne D'Arcy

Lynne D'Arcy joint managing director, Admiral Taverns (21), Andy Clifford joint managing director, Admiral Taverns (21)

Why they are on the list:

This couple jointly operate the UK's third biggest tenanted and leased pub company, with more than 2,000 outlets. It's probably the UK's largest dispatcher of rump-end sites, with many passing to alternative use. D'Arcy is also an active member of the North West Beer & Pub Association by dint of Admiral's head office being based in the region, at Chester.

What the past year has held:

Admiral's estate is predominantly wet-led and took a major hit from the smoking ban with the effects still being felt. But the company has devised a number of different ways to help its licensees tackle these problems and general difficulties caused by the economic slowdown. It has formed a separate pubs division specifically aimed at helping the worst strugglers across its estate.

Challenges ahead:

Although Admiral's frenetic acquisitions programme slowed down some time back, the company is now busy enhancing its pub stock and is in the middle of a three-year £50m investment plan across its estate.