Steve Haslam: Success in the tie - the real Pub Revolution

I note the article talks about how the industry positions itself with the public - it is a bit like the argument that goes something like: "The public are suffering because of the tie".

Balderdash​! Pop down to the high street tomorrow and ask 100 people their opinion on 'the tie' and all you will get is a resounding blank expression.

The repositioning of the tie and the massive savings that are then going to be passed on to the public are fiction.

Buzzword today, broken promise tomorrow. Why? Because you'll all come up against the managed pub chains and the next generation of argument will ensue about how you can compete.

As their purchasing power is far greater, their prices lower and their expected margins far lower. Where will we be then? The monopolies commission?

Independent lessees must seize the opportunity, start learning the ups and downs of self employment and understand being part of the biggest unbranded franchise in the world is a great opportunity.

Customers are crying out for a route to the nearest independent quality pub, and you know what? They don't mind paying for the privilege. Quality, standards, service and affordability. Not the cheapest! I have got the accounts to prove success in the tie is possible and the model can be very rewarding. Furthermore, I'll show these to any industry body or MP who wishes to call.

So why so many complainers?! Firstly, Enterprise and Punch are the two biggest players in the market so when it comes to press they are going to get their percentage share of the headlines. No different to my corner shop closing down, it didn't quite get the some press as Woolworth's demise.

Many publicans must accept that their retail standards are near non-existent, but they impose these standards on their customers and expect a healthy living in return again. I have 200-plus visits, front and back of house with pictures, which would make the average customer's hair curl.

Another fact that angers me is the total lack of business acumen and due diligence from people going down the self employed route. I believe that over half of Enterprise leases were purchased on assignment, many in the pre-recession boom. Rose-tinted specs or total blindness? There has been an incredible lack of due diligence, over leveraging, and borrowing from those who haven't spent so much as a day working in a pub. They have simply bought into a dream, and the chocolate box just melted.

For me the thing that totally undermines the credibility of the argument is the lack of acceptance of all the mitigating factors affecting this industry. Tax, utilities, the smoking ban, recession, beer volumes, business rates and more. All factors, and when thrown into the pot they cause one hell of a stew.

The last recession for me was devastating, but I got back up, dusted myself down and built again. Maybe the pubcos are guilty in their inability to evolve quickly, but many of today's publicans/self employed business people are also stuck well and truly in the Stone Age and have failed to evolve to meet their customer needs.

The Pub Co Revolution is and will be a mere irritation and distraction for people who should be focusing on their future, in or out of the industry.

And before accusations commence with regards to Enterprise plant or 'golden boy' I would work with any company within the tie because it can work and be fruitful for both parties. Given the right site, business plan and plenty of due diligence - you too could join the successful Pub Revolution!