Greene King claims licensee members' club success

The Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator hosted its inaugural Premier Partners event at the end of September, attracting 80 licensees. Simon Longbottom, managing director for Greene King Pub Partners, said feedback from the event had been extremely positive.

He said: “This was such a fantastic evening for all concerned. The vision for the event was an opportunity to celebrate the very best entrepreneurs and businessmen and women running our pubs – we certainly did that.”

Support​

According to Greene King, Premier Partners aims to recognise and reward its top-100 performing tenants and lessees with a mixture of treats and business support. As well as an invitation to the annual event, members receive promotions, offers and access to new products first.

Twelve licensees and their pubs were recognised during the evening. One was Henry Cripps, who leases two pubs from Greene King – the Greene Oak in Windsor and the White Oak in Maidenhead.

Cripps said: “I don’t tend to go to a lot of these things but this was different. It was very enjoyable and clearly designed to make you feel valued as a partner.

“Most of all it was about the fact we are all in this together, rather than the ‘us and them’ that is sometimes portrayed in this industry. There was no hard sell and we were able to enjoy good company and a light-hearted, fun evening. I am very glad I went.”

Network​

Lorna Macmillan, who runs run two Greene King pubs – the Ram in Hadleigh and the Swan in Long Melford – said she didn’t know what to expect from the event but thoroughly enjoyed it.

“It can be a tough industry, so having the opportunity to network and socialise with like-minded people was invaluable, as was the chance to let our hair down for the night.”

Suppliers attending included Diageo, Aspall Cyder, Carlsberg, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Heineken and a team from Greene King Brewing and Brands.

The attendees also raised £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a raffle and donations.