Multi-Site Pub Operators

 City landscape: (l-r) Elaine Clarke of Baa Bar, John Ennis of GSG Hospitality and Iain Hoskins of Ma Pubs set the scene in Liverpool with The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington

MA LEADERS

What is operating in Liverpool like?

By Nikkie Thatcher

A buoyant Saturday trade, the impact of businesses continuing to work from home and the need for stronger infrastructure were three of the topics discussed when it comes to operating in the seaport city.

Sector overview: The duo outlined challenges and future hopes

Hickory’s CEO ‘excited’ for future

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Hickory’s founder Neil McDonnell and pub owner James Kowszun outlined the opportunities in the sector at the MA Leaders Conference in Liverpool yesterday (7 March).

Freeze ends: Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (fourth from left) has taken no action on business rates (credit: UK Parliament/Maria Unger)

SPRING BUDGET 2024

Business rates to go up as freeze ends

By Gary Lloyd

Despite the hospitality sector’s calls for a reduced business rates burden in the Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s lack of action on the subject means companies in England will endure a combined tax hike of £1.66bn from 1 April.

What's the story of Amy Lamé? The Morning Advertiser finds out

THE BIG INTERVIEW

The Big Interview: 'You only get one chance to be London's first night czar'

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

On Saturday I’m cutting shapes at Fabric. On Monday I’m at City Hall to meet London’s night czar Amy Lamé. 15 minutes before the interview, I phone to get let in. After some confusion, the press officer double checks, “you are at Docklands right?” No....

Greene King to release two cask beers from seasonal calendar

THE CASK PROJECT

GK to release two cask ales for spring

By Gary Lloyd

Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King is releasing two seasonal cask ales for pubs to order in time for spring.

Growing demand: showing American sports offers massive benefits for pubs but authenticity is key (Credit: Getty/skynesher)

Demand for American sports in pubs 'growing exponentially'

By Rebecca Weller

Showing American sports offers “massive benefits” for operators as demand grows “exponentially”, but passion is key to tap into the trend, Hickory’s managing director John Welsh told The Morning Advertiser (MA).

New horizons: Two exciting sites open in the capital and there are also openings elsewhere

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

New bars open in the capital

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

An Italian seafood bar is set to open in the capital, while a Welsh pub reopens under new ownership and Inception Group launches a new site.

Latest acquisition: The Piano Works concept is now in the Sarah Willingham-led Nightcap portfolio

Nightcap acquires The Piano Works

By Gary Lloyd

Nightcap – the operator of 46 bars under brands including The Cocktail Club, Barrio Familia and the Adventure Bar Group – has acquired live entertainment concept The Piano Works.

Publican Awards 2024: Tom Allen (pictured) announced as this year's host

Tom Allen to host 2024 Publican Awards

By Rebecca Weller

Award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and TV personality Tom Allen has been announced as the host of the 2024 Publican Awards.

Come and tech a look: technology is now vital for smooth service across all aspects of the on-trade

FEATURE - Technology

FEATURE: Finding the right tech to fit your pub

By Fiona Griffiths

Pub operators everywhere are facing challenging times but choosing the right technology solutions can help your business to survive – and even thrive.

Pubs need help: hospitality leaders have written to the Government (credit: Getty/miodrag ignjatovic)

BBPA members demand help ahead of Budget

By Gary Lloyd

Leaders of more than 80 of the UK’s pub companies and breweries – who are members of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) – have written to the Chancellor to demand action at next month’s Budget on VAT, business rates and beer duty.

Business anniversary: Urban Pubs & Bars is celebrating 10 years of trading this year

A look at Urban Pubs & Bars’ history

By Nikkie Thatcher

We’ve taken a look back at how Urban Pubs & Bars was formed and how the group is dealing with the current challenges facing the sector.

What's in the news 9 February

REVIEW OF THE WEEK

‘VAT cut would allow us to pay staff more’

By Gary Lloyd

The Morning Advertiser’s associate features editor Gary Lloyd caught up with Banwell House Pub Company managing director Toby Brett to get his take on the week's news, what he wants from the Spring Budget and gives a prediction for England v Wales...

Huge funding: the £3.8million raised is the equivalent of £434 every hour in 2023 and could fund up to 82,353 Macmillan nursing hours

GK celebrates £3.8m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support

By Gary Lloyd

Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King is celebrating another record-breaking fundraising year for Macmillan Cancer Support after its pubs, breweries and support centres raised an amazing £3.8m in 2023.

Company history: Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014

Urban Pubs & Bars ‘poised for expansion’

By Nikkie Thatcher

London-based multiple operator Urban Pubs & Bars has reported an upswing in sales and turnover in its latest trading update and is eyeing further growth.

Positive future: sales up 11.5% at Fuller's

Fuller's sales up 11.5%

By Rebecca Weller

Fuller, Smith & Turner has reported like-for-like sales growth of 11.5% in the 42 weeks to Saturday 20 January 2024.