Boris Johnson addressing the Conservatives' virtual spring forum has said that with his roadmap on track he is confident of hitting the dates he set out, and reopening progressing on those lines. In a message to his party members the PM said: "I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting … [Read more...]
Pub Governing Body to recommence pub rent reviews from 31 March
Statement by the Pub Governing Body (PGB) England and Wales and supported by the Scottish Pub Governing Body. “The Pub Governing Body, the organisation responsible for promoting the advancement and improvement of Landlord (Pub Owning Companies) and Tied Tenant relationships in the licensed retail sector confirmed on 25th March 2021 that rent review negotiations that were … [Read more...]
Ei Publican Partnerships support extends to June
Stonegate Group is continuing its support for Ei Publican Partnership publicans with rent and trade credits throughout April, May and June. This support builds on the substantial financial assistance given to publicans in the form of significantly reduced rents and trade credits, together with Government grants including the latest restart grants of between £8,000 - £18,000 as … [Read more...]
Ofgem meeting BBPA to remedy utility companies refusing to supply hospitality businesses
The British Beer & Pub Association has today called out the energy sector for refusing to supply pubs with energy. The trade association said a number of pubs across the UK had experienced poor commercial behaviour whereby some utility companies were refusing to renew contracts or simply to supply energy to them, even where such supply includes domestic use. The BBPA … [Read more...]
Stonegate’s Commercial & Property Director receives Covid Hero Award
Suzanne Baker, Commercial & Property Director at Stonegate Group, made history yesterday as she became the first winner to take home the newly established MCA Retailers’ Retailer Hero Award. The long-standing and prestigious awards introduced The Hero Award this year to recognise those hospitality business leaders who have gone above and beyond in steering their … [Read more...]
Business minister says the future of the high street is residential
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng talking about the pandemic in an interview with The Times has said the future of the great British high street looks residential. Kwarteng told The Times: “One of the things I’m very keen that we get our heads around is the whole future of the high street. “In Staines high street (part of his … [Read more...]
Mitchells & Butlers suspends pension fund payments ahead of £350 million share call
Mitchells & Butlers has suspended payments to its staff pension fund ahead of seeking £350 million in liquidity through emergency fundraising. Monthly pension contributions of circa £4 million per month are being ceased for three months. The revelation comes alongside the group reporting current cash reserves of £113 million, and a cash burn rate of £30 - £35 million per … [Read more...]
British Beer & Pub Association urges Boris Johnson to open pub doors
The beer and pub sector is urging the Prime Minister to reopen pub doors as soon as possible, with the call being led by the British Beer & Pub Association. The beer and pub sector has been one of the most adversely affected sectors by Covid-19 and the lockdowns. In 2020 alone, a combination of restrictions on trade and lockdowns saw sales of beer in pubs plummet by 56%, a … [Read more...]
Red Oak Taverns acquires ten pubs from Wells & Co and now looking for similar acquisition opportunities
Red Oak Taverns has acquired its second pub package in 2021, increasing its estate to 190. The package of ten leased and tenanted pubs, acquired from regional family brewer, Wells & Co are all based in the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire areas. Mark Grunnell the Co-founder and Chief Executive of Red Oak said: “We are delighted to secure a further … [Read more...]
60% of UK pubs unable to open outdoor only service viably
The British Beer & Pub Association has today revealed that it believes 60% of all pubs in the UK will remain closed if only outdoor service is permitted at pubs from April. The trade association says this is because the majority of pubs in the UK do not have enough outdoor space to re-open and serve customers without opening indoors too. The figures come as speculation … [Read more...]
Heineken announce 2020 losses of £96 million alongside 8,000 job cuts
Following a net 2020 loss of £96 million Heineken has announced plans to reduce circa 10% of its employees due to adverse trading conditions stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. As many as 8,000 jobs are set to be lost including some at the brewer and pub operator’s headquarters in Amsterdam. Heineken’s CEO, Dolf van den Brink attributed the cuts to 2020 being a year of … [Read more...]
Pubs plead for a lead on a reopening timeline
The British Beer & Pub Association have today urged the Government to give a clear timeline and date for when pubs can reopen. The call comes as it was revealed today that trading restrictions and lockdowns caused sales of beer to plummet by 56% in 2020 - down by £7.8 billion. Given the severity of the impact that trading restrictions and lockdowns have had on the sector, … [Read more...]
Drinks importer acquires brewer
Manchester-based beer, wine and spirit importer Morgenrot has completed the acquisition of Sussex-based brewer and distributor Wingtip Brewing Company for an undisclosed fee. The deal will see Morgenrot, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2020, take full control of Wingtip’s operations from the 1st February including their distribution hub, warehouse, vehicles and beer … [Read more...]
Pubs to reopen with a booze ban
Pubs could be allowed to reopen after Easter but will not be allowed to sell alcohol. The ‘news’ is being widely reported, but as yet no official attribution has yet been pinned to an ‘official’ source. Sifting through various reports of the ‘story’ it seems to have stemmed from government scientific advisors being concerned of social distancing not being observed as alcohol … [Read more...]
Red Oak Taverns complete latest acquisition, and looking for more
Red Oak Taverns has completed the acquisition of three pubs from Reclamation Inns for an undisclosed sum. The three pubs, The Great Western, Bewdley, The Railway in Alsager, Crewe and The Black Boy, Bridgnorth will be added to the pub company’s current portfolio of 177 pubs. Speaking about the acquisition, co-founder and Chief Executive of Red Oak, Mark Grunnell said: … [Read more...]
