The UK’s most inspirational publicans have been identified as finalists for the prestigious BII 2013 Licensee of the Year award, after undergoing rigorous examination and demonstrating outstanding professionalism and passion for the industry.
This special group will now face a nine-strong panel of judges, including industry veterans John Vereker and John Sharratt, British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds and Head of People Development at Marston’s PLC Joy Levesley, as they contest the ultimate prize, before one of them is named the best of the best: Britain’s top pub licensee.
The finalists
The publicans who made it to the final round are:
- Dennis Forsyth from Cheers Café Bar and Tavern in Fraserburgh, Aberdeedshire
- Steve Herbert from the The Old Spot Inn in Dursley, Gloucestershire
- Cheryl Hickman of The Bull Inn at Barton Mills, Suffolk
- Marc Jones from The Sportsman in Lower Kingswood, Surrey
- Ashley and Kelly McCarthy from Ye Old Sun Inn at Colton, York
- Annie Power from The Coal Hole in London.
As finalists, each licensee will benefit from professional advice from judges John Vereker and John Sharratt, as well as BII CEO Tim Hulme who said:
“The award, sponsored by Britvic, is highly coveted and not taken lightly by any entrant, given the tough judging process, which is what gives the award its credibility….Each of our six finalists showed strong business acumen, a clear ability to succeed at the highest level and a commitment to staff development and training. They are highly deserving of their place in the final.”
The 2013 Licensee of the Year will be announced to an audience of publicans and industry professionals during the 25th BII annual lunch at Grosvenor House on May 14th.
About the BII
BII is a registered charity and the professional body for the licensed retail sector and has around 11,000 members, and 54 corporate patrons, members and supporters. BII’s mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector; to encourage new entrants into the industry, and to help them develop their long-term careers.