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This comes after Fuller’s unveiled its results for the 52 weeks to 28 March 2026, which reported like-for-like sales in its managed sites were up across the board with drinks seeing the biggest rise (5.8%), followed by accommodation (4.9%) and then food (3.5%).
Emeny told The Morning Advertiser: “The really encouraging thing is all three categories were in good growth, which is probably unique in the sector and in the first 10 weeks of our new financial year, we’re seeing the same trend.
“The summer last year helped drive drinks sales. It’s a lovely, healthy shape of the business.”
Accommodation continues to be a core part of the business and the update outlined plans to put bedrooms in sites such as adding 26 rooms at the Barrowboy & Banker in London Bridge.
Quality basis
“When you look at the average room rate, the high quality and performance of that estate, it’s the highest quality pub bedrooms,” Emeny added.
“Adding new bedrooms to the estate has to be done on a quality basis rather than number.”
In the update, Emeny highlighted how, since the increase in employer national contributions, youth unemployment has risen to 15% “creating another self-inflicted problem for society the Government now needs to solve”.
The business has been focusing on productivity following the ongoing rising costs of employment, the pub company boss said.
Sales growth
He added: “The most important thing we’ve achieved this year is not managing labour but growing sales and volumes.
“If you can’t grow sales and volumes, it becomes difficult to control cost base so that’s been an integral part of our success.
“Because the cost of employment has gone up so much we are having to focus heavily on productivity.
“We continue to improve the efficiency of the business without damaging the business.”
The business has been preparing for the summer season and Emeny outlined how it is planning for the men’s football World Cup just around the corner.
“With the kick off times later, the sales opportunity should be incremental as you’re unlikely to lose key trading sessions,” he said.
“We’re seeing huge demand for England games. We are working hard to get people in as early as possible, a lot of entertainment pre-game to get people into the pubs well before kick-off.”
