Jobs round-up
Papa John’s aims for pub market slice, Innis & Gunn marketing shake-up
NLW rise comes into effect
The increase in the national living wage (NLW) and the national minimum wage (NMW) takes place from 1 April.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the 2.2% rise to £8.91 an hour in the spring Budget last month (Wednesday 3 March).
The increased rate is equivalent to an additional £345 for year for employees working in a full-time job.
The former rate for the NLW (for those aged 25 and over) is £8.72 an hour and the latest rise is the smallest increase in recent years.
The rise in the previous year April 2019 was 51p, the year before that (April 2018) was 38p, for April 2017 the difference was an increase of 33p and in 2016, it was 30p.
Papa John’s launches pub franchise model
As reported by The Morning Advertiser’s sister title MCA Insight, pizza franchise Papa John’s has launched a new model which will see it roll into pub kitchens for the first time.
The pizza brand launched its first pub franchise at the Saracen’s Head in Weston, Staffordshire, which will allow customers to order pizza for to eat either in reopened beer gardens or for takeaway and delivery.
Justin Gilbert, director of business development at Papa John’s UK, explained that the pizza giant could “drive profitable growth” as venues reopen under the Government's roadmap.
“By flexing our franchise offering we can provide the global support and marketing of our brand to suitable pubs to help them drive traffic and differentiate from the competition,” he said.
“They can now reap the rewards of our high-quality ingredients, processes and products with a low cost of entry to benefit their existing eat-in dining market.
“If there is no existing franchisee in a pub’s trade zone, there is also the opportunity to deliver to the local community opening up a new year-round revenue stream.
“Our team is dedicated to ensuring we can offer our pizza in more locations, so our valued customers can enjoy Papa John’s where and when they choose.”
Papa John’s said it was looking for further pub opportunities to expand the model.
Covid-status certification would damage 69% of night-time operators
More than two thirds (69%) of firms in the night-time sector have expressed concern that vaccine passports, requirements to provide proof of testing or immunity, would have a negative impact on their businesses, according to research
The survey of 700 night-time businesses from the Night-Time Industry Association (NTIA) also revealed 70% felt Covid-status certification and the like were not necessary to open their event or premises safely.
The potential use of immunity proof is being used as part of a pilot events scheme from the Government whereby a circa 3,000 person event will take place at Circus Nightclub in Liverpool for an indoor club night on Friday 30 April.
Covid-status certification will be trialled as part of the pilot programme.
Innis & Gunn hires marketing director
Fiona Kennie has been appointed as Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn’s new director of marketing. Her remit will include shaping a new marketing strategy, driving brand growth and creating further consumer demand across international, on-trade, off-trade and e-commerce channels.
Kennie will lead Innis & Gunn’s internal marketing team, which comprises nine staff following four new appointments with two further roles to be filled.
Steph Forsyth also joins Innis & Gunn in the new role of PR and internal communications manager while Lauren Baillie joins as social media editor.
What’s more, Innis & Gunn’s range of beers will be managed by Robb Hamlin and Neil Sharp in their respective marketing manager roles.
“I have never been more confident in the future of Innis & Gunn than I am now, and this is partly due to our new marketing team,” Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder of Innis & Gunn, said of the new appointments.
“With Fiona at the helm, we have a clear brand positioning and clear strategy and the right internal expertise across the new team, ready to deliver. I can’t wait to share the work we’re going to produce this year and see the consumer response.”
Kennie added: “Innis & Gunn is a highly ambitious brewer and I am thrilled to now be part of the brand as we work together towards these goals.
“We have a great team in place and a strong, consumer focussed strategy which I am confident will appeal to both our current and new drinkers.”
Pubs urged to register for free workplace testing
The Government is calling on businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, to order rapid testing in preparation for reopening.
From Monday 12 April, operators with at least 10 workers can access the tests, which will be free until the end of June, and businesses can register here.
Workers can collect the test from their workplace and use at home twice a week and businesses are still urged to register now if they are remaining closed after 12 April so they can order tests in the future.