Wells described the company’s 2025 financial year results as “steady progress” as it posted a 5% boost in group earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to reach £10.3m while a £0.4m increase in sales helped Wells & Co reach £66.2m.
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Group operating profit before exceptional costs increased 21% to £4.2m, up from £3.5m, driven by higher sales alongside a focus on operational cost control.
Performance across the company’s managed house estate, made up of 26 sites in the UK and 19 in France, saw an overall turnover growth of 2% (excluding sites transferred between trading divisions). The company, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year said: “This reflects the strength and diversity of the division, particularly against the backdrop of rising employment costs in the UK, with increases in national minimum wage and employer national insurance contributions adding approximately £800,000 to the cost base.”
L&T turnover up 4%
Meanwhile the group’s Pub Partner division – which comprises 136 leased & tenanted sites across the northern home countries and East Anglia – delivered a fourth consecutive year of growth with turnover up 4% as it reopened some sites and acquired three new pubs.
Success here has been underpinned by a move to hold supplier pricing across the majority of its draught beer range for more than 18 months, allowing partners to meet the challenge of increased payroll costs. As a result, own-brewed beer volume to its UK pub estate was up 9% year-on-year.
The firm’s Brewpoint brewery continued to be a driver of growth both in terms of volume and earnings with strong demand for core brands such as Supernova Helles Lager, Foghorn Hazy IPA and Genesis Stout, alongside higher production volumes, delivering a 9% uplift in overall sales.
Greater balance and resilience
CEO Wells said: “[Financial year 2025] has been a year of steady progress for the group, particularly in the UK, where growth in all divisions increased overall earnings.
“We have remained focused on ensuring our pubs are relevant to their communities – investing in the right offers and experiences to drive dwell time and respond to changing consumer preferences. At the same time, market conditions in both the UK and France remain challenging, and cost inflation, particularly in employment, continues to place pressure on the sector.
“Despite this, we delivered earnings growth, strengthened the balance sheet and bolstered our operational leadership. Our portfolio across both the UK and France gives the group greater balance and resilience, creating a strong platform for sustainable long-term growth.
“With clear strategic priorities in place, we believe we are well positioned to navigate the ongoing headwinds and deliver further progress in 2026, supported by a network of talented, entrepreneurial and passionate partners, in what is the 150th anniversary year of our family business.”
