For the first time since launching the Star Pubs & Bars annual national forum in 2013 there has been 100% positive feedback from Star licensees about their prospects for the year ahead, with two thirds saying that they felt very positive.
At the forum, which was held in Milan, and made up of 40 representative licensees from all around the country, 61% reported they felt very positive and 39% quite positive about trade in 2017.
When asked about the biggest issues facing the industry in 2017, staffing came up as the greatest concern with a fifth also raising business rates as a problem. 34% highlighted an increase in staff costs, 17% kitchen staff recruitment and 19.5% business rates. The cost of utilities and lack of investment were of lesser concern this year.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star said: “The positive feedback demonstrates a real confidence in the leased pub industry. This is particularly striking given the uncertainties facing the economy. As further proof of their optimism, 97.8% said they would take on another pub with Star or advocate us.”