WaverleyTBS: Multiple pub operators explain "nightmare" of product supply

By The PMA Team

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Multiple pub operators Matthew clark Beer

Operators reveal supply problems in wake of WaverleyTBS collpase
Operators reveal supply problems in wake of WaverleyTBS collpase
The collapse of drinks supplier WaverleyTBS has been branded a “nightmare” as multiple pub operators struggle to restock key products.

Paul Campion, who runs the five-strong pub company Two Kiwis Ltd, said his real ale supply had suffered the most from Waverley’s liquidation because he sourced most of his beer from the company.

“Waverley had a reasonable real ale selection so it is a bit of a nightmare,” said Campion. “It is a pain having to go around and set up new accounts because you get into a routine.”

Campion explained he has been able to source some wine and spirits from a local Booker outlet and that he has a meeting with Matthew Clark today with a view to having his permanent supply chain re-established by next week.

Meanwhile, Steve Haslam of of six-strong TLC Inns, admitted there had been disruption in the wake of Waverley’s collapse which has left him short of wine in his outlets. “There is a cost and a disruption - it is not something we need,” he said. “It has left us with some empty shelves which is embarrassing.

“But at the end of the day whilst I need to protect my business, our heart still has to go out to the people who have lost their jobs because for them it is a much bigger picture. For us, it is just wine.”

Haslam said he hoped to have a deal in place with a new supplier by the end of the week, and has organised a temporary supply of wine in the meantime.

Paul Wigham, chief executive of All Our Bars, is also currently in negotiations with another supplier.

He said: “It has caused undue problems and a certain amount of angst. We used Waverley for supplies of beers, spirits and some soft drinks, so we were able to resource the products. We had alternative suppliers that we could go to.

“When they went into administration, we had to move a lot of our stock around the sites to cover shortages. We have 34 sites. My purchasing lady was tearing her hair out, the operations people were struggling and we were receiving calls from the managers saying they’re running out of supplies.”

However, the seven-strong New Pub Company has transferred to Matthew Clark in the wake of Waverley’s liquidation.

“We had absolutely no problem at all,” said managing director Peter Linacre. “Matthew Clark made it easy for us so full marks. You want to have a strong supplier you can trust. All our sites are working and everything is up and running.”

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