The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has built on two years of sustained growth to consolidate its position as the voice of the operator – and it will use that position to deliver sustained and effective campaigning on the core issues that matter to retailers. That was the message delivered by ALMR Chairman, Novus’s Steve Richards, at the Association’s Annual General Meeting this week.
New recruits
Over the course of 2012, the ALMR saw a flurry of new recruits from across the sector with operator numbers increasing by a quarter and total revenues up by 50%.
New joiners included companies of all sizes and all trading styles – from iconic nightclubs such as Fabric and Ministry of Sound, major multiples such as Mitchells & Butler and Luminar, as well as new entrepreneurs like Loungers, Draft House and Lovely Pubs. Supplier members increased by 12.5%.
New Chief Executive
Praising outgoing Chief Executive, Nick Bish, and the team in Ealing, Steve Richards said:
“ These are not soft comparisons. The ALMR has seen sustained growth in numbers, revenue and reputation year on year and, in our 21st year, we have really come of age. We have used that strength and depth of membership giving us ever greater success in campaigning on the issues that matter most to operators’ bottom line – on tax, on employment, on planning and licensing. We are at the forefront of resisting the worst excesses at local and national level and promoting the positive benefits our sector brings.”
The AGM provided an opportunity for members to meet new CEO, David McHattie who confirmed his objective to consolidate and build on the current position, saying:
“I want to consolidate what the ALMR has achieved in the pub sector in the last 18 months and to continue the growth curve. I’m in listening mode: I want to broaden our representation and use that for a purpose – to ensure our members are better represented and get a fairer deal.”