Fuller’s reports 4.3% rise in like-for-like festive sales

30-Jan-2020 - Last updated on 30-Jan-2020 at 09:46 GMT

Keen focus: despite dealing with a busy period, Fuller’s still announced like-for-like growth

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Fuller’s had a merry Christmas and a cheery new year as it saw like-for-like sales in managed pubs and hotels rise 4.3% during the festive period.

All areas of the business, including food, drink and accommodation have been in like-for-like growth but tenanted like-for-like profits were down by 3%.

Despite this, the company has started the new year on a high as it reports an overall growth of 2.5% for the 42-week-period up until 18 January 2020.

Chief executive Simon Emeny said: “It’s been a year of change for Fuller’s and this is a good first Christmas as a focused premium pubs and hotels business.

“We have exciting plans in place for the coming months, including the opening of our new sites the Windjammer at Royal Dock, the White Horse at Wembley Park and the Parcel Office at Liverpool Street Station. We will also be moving to our new offices at Pier House in Chiswick at the end of March.

Relish the challenge

He continued: “This is a very busy time for Fuller’s as we complete the integration of Cotswolds Inns & Hotels, undertake a number of major capex projects including the redevelopment of the Bear of Burton in Dorset and our new Bel & The Dragon site at Westerham in Kent, as well as continue to grow our existing business.

“In addition, we are approaching the conclusion of the transitional services agreement with Asahi, while maintaining a keen focus on reducing our central costs against a backdrop of rising wage inflation and business rates. There is a lot to do – but we relish the challenge.”

The next update will be on 11 June 2020 when Fuller’s will announce the full-year results for the 52 weeks to 28 March 2020.