More than 100 members of The MA Leaders Club descended on BRIX LDN on Wednesday (4 March), which took place in Borough, London.
They were also treated to a study tour that took in Cahoots Postal Service, on Stoney Street for some cocktails; the Boot & Flogger, on Redcross Way for some wine tasting; craft beer pub the Blue Maid on Borough High Street; and finally Mercato Metropolitano on Newington Causeway for a pint and pizza.
The Morning Advertiser (The MA), which organises the event that take place three times a year across the country, managed to grab some time with some of the delegates and speakers to ask about how they see trade currently and whether there are any opportunities for growth.
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Best value pint
Joule’s Brewery managing director Vicky Colclough talked about how a strong start to the year for the business has been tempered somewhat by legislative changes to minimum wage and business rates, and explained focusing on its core offer of providing the best value pint of beer it can to its customers.
Perfect said the challenges came from not only VAT but business rates, staff wage increases and the conflict in Iran that will “hit a lot of us in the pocket over the next few months”.
He stressed there are growth opportunities, particular with Butcombe’s premium food and drink offer, and there is market share to be taken advantage of too.
Costs are definitely the biggest issue, according to UKHospitality CEO Allen Simpson.
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Knock-on effect
He stated: “It’s increasingly hard to make a profit.” However, while the on-trade is unable to compete on pricing versus staying in and watching TV, the sector “can compete on the fun of being there”.
Lancaster Brewery directors Sarah and Matt Jackson told The MA the business was “doing OK” but had lots of opportunities to go for while like-for-like sales had risen by 12%.
Matt said: “We were hit hugely by the Budget in November. Not just fiscally but the knock-on effect for our customers.”
Brucan Pubs partner Nick Solomides said that while margins are being restricted, the pubco has been smart and managed to pull levers to alleviate costs.
Solomides also explained finding, motivating and retaining staff was key at the moment and to understand and support that employees have issues of their own to contend with.
But said opportunities come in the form of ensuring staff get involved and have their input so they can be in charge of providing some “genuine hospitality”.
