Almost two thirds of Star Pubs & Bars licensees, from around the country, attending the company’s annual licensee forum in Amsterdam this month were upbeat about the year ahead.
59% said they felt positive about their own business in the year ahead. With inflation front of mind, when asked what food support they most wanted, licensees said they wanted further help securing additional food discounts.
When it came to business growth, 53% felt local community / charity links were important to them, 25% said they generated business but weren’t core and 18% wanted to make this part of their business plan.
Looking forward at the opportunities to grow their business, 48% saw developing activities and events to attract millennials as key, 31% premiumising their drinks offer and 27% improving their social media.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director, Star Pubs & Bars said: “The forum is one of the highlights of our year. As a management team we enjoy the chance to spend quality time with Star’s licensees. It’s an important opportunity to get feedback about the support we provide and to hear first-hand about the opportunities and issues the pub trade is facing. Licensees who attend tell us they find it an inspirational event and love the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with fellow licensees from around the country. It’s encouraging that almost two thirds of our licensees are upbeat about 2018.”