Government Launches Mass Media Campaign to Provide Energy-Saving Tips for Businesses

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The UK government has announced plans to launch a new scheme aimed at offering energy-saving tips to businesses, including pubs. The scheme, which is set to be launched later this year, will provide free advice and support to help businesses reduce their energy usage and lower their carbon footprint.

The scheme will be open to all businesses, including pubs and other hospitality businesses, and will offer a range of resources and support to help them become more energy-efficient. This will include tips on reducing energy usage, guidance on installing energy-efficient equipment, and access to funding to support energy-saving projects.

The government hopes that the scheme will help businesses save money on their energy bills while also reducing their impact on the environment. The scheme is part of the government’s wider efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable business practices.

The launch of this scheme is timely as the hospitality industry, including pubs, has been hit hard by rising costs and declining revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By reducing energy costs, pubs can help to reduce their operating costs and improve their bottom line.

Overall, the new scheme is a positive development for the pub industry and other businesses in the UK, as it provides much-needed support and resources to help them become more energy-efficient and sustainable. By taking steps to reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint, businesses can help to protect the environment while also improving their bottom line.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.
Staff working in a pub

Running a Pub More Challenging Than During COVID, Report Shows Rising Costs and Declining Revenues

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According to a recent report, the cost of running a pub in the UK has increased to the point where it is now worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report suggests that many pubs are struggling to stay afloat due to rising costs and declining revenues.

The report highlights several factors contributing to the rising costs, including the increasing cost of beer and other supplies, as well as rising wages for staff. In addition, many pubs are facing higher rent and business rates, which are eating into their profits.

The report suggests that pubs are facing a “perfect storm” of factors that are making it increasingly difficult for them to operate. Many are struggling to pay their bills and keep their doors open, and there are concerns that many may be forced to close permanently.

The report calls for urgent action from the government to support the pub industry, including measures such as reducing business rates, providing financial assistance, and reducing taxes on beer and other supplies. Without this support, the report warns, many pubs may not survive the current economic climate.

Overall, the report paints a bleak picture for the pub industry in the UK, with rising costs and declining revenues making it increasingly difficult for pubs to operate. Urgent action is needed to support this important sector of the economy and prevent the closure of many beloved establishments.

Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Survey Reveals Majority of Consumers Favor Staying in Pubs Over Other Accommodations

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A recent study conducted by a market research firm has highlighted the growing importance of pubs with rooms to consumers in the UK. The research surveyed over 1,000 respondents to understand the factors that influence customers when choosing a pub, and found that accommodation was becoming an increasingly important consideration.

According to the study, over 60% of respondents said that the availability of accommodation influenced their decision when choosing a pub. Of those respondents, over 70% said that the quality of the accommodation was a key factor in their decision-making process.

The research also found that consumers were willing to pay more for quality accommodation in a pub setting. Over 80% of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for accommodation that offered a higher standard of comfort and amenities, such as en-suite bathrooms and premium bedding.

The study suggests that pubs with rooms have an opportunity to attract customers by offering quality accommodation as part of their overall offering. Pubs that invest in comfortable, well-equipped rooms and market themselves as a destination for both food and accommodation could stand to benefit from this trend.

Overall, the study highlights the growing importance of accommodation to consumers when choosing a pub, and suggests that pubs should consider investing in this area to attract and retain customers. By providing quality accommodation as part of their offering, pubs can enhance the overall customer experience and drive growth in this competitive market.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Important factors for pub customers

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According to a recent study, convenience and affordability are the most important factors for pub customers in the UK. The research, conducted by a market research firm, surveyed over 1,000 pub-goers to understand what they value the most when choosing a pub.

The results showed that 75% of respondents said convenience, such as location and accessibility, was the most important factor when choosing a pub. This was closely followed by affordability, with 70% of respondents stating that prices and value for money were key considerations.

Other factors that were important to pub customers included atmosphere, with 65% of respondents valuing a welcoming and friendly environment, and quality of service, with 60% of respondents citing good customer service as an important factor.

Interestingly, the study found that the importance of traditional features such as a historic building or a real fire was less important to pub customers, with only 40% of respondents valuing these features.

These findings highlight the need for pubs to focus on convenience and affordability when attracting and retaining customers. Pubs should also prioritize creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing good customer service to enhance the overall customer experience. While traditional features may still be important to some customers, pubs should not rely solely on these features to attract customers.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Bank of England ask businesses to not raise prices.

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The Bank of England’s recent decision to keep interest rates on hold has been criticized by some as a “joke”, in light of the UK’s rising inflation rate. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.1% in February 2023, compared to 1.8% in January 2023.

Despite this increase, the Bank of England has opted to maintain its current interest rate of 0.1%, stating that it expects inflation to remain within its target range of 2%. The decision has been met with skepticism by some economists, who argue that the Bank should be taking a more proactive approach to managing inflation.

Critics have pointed to the fact that inflation has risen above the Bank’s target rate for the first time in nearly two years, and that there are concerns about the impact of rising prices on household budgets. Some have suggested that the Bank should consider raising interest rates in order to help control inflation and prevent it from spiraling out of control.

Others have defended the Bank’s decision, arguing that raising interest rates could have a negative impact on the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. They suggest that the Bank should continue to monitor the situation and take action only if it is deemed necessary.

Regardless of the debate surrounding the Bank of England’s decision, it is clear that rising inflation is a cause for concern for many people in the UK. The challenge now is to find ways to manage this inflationary pressure while continuing to support the country’s economic recovery.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Stonegate announce new charges to tenants for branded glassware

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UK pub operator, Stonegate, has announced that it will begin charging its tenants for the use of branded glassware. This move is expected to impact a significant number of pubs across the country.

According to reports, the charge for using branded glasses will be set at £1.20 per dozen, with the cost being passed on to the tenant. This is expected to apply to all Stonegate pubs that currently use branded glassware, including those which stock well-known beer brands such as Carling, Guinness, and Strongbow.

Stonegate has stated that this move is necessary in order to recover some of the costs associated with branded glassware. The company has reportedly invested heavily in branded glasses in recent years, but has struggled to recoup these costs through drinks sales.

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from tenants, with some expressing concerns about the impact on their business. Others have welcomed the move, citing the benefits of using branded glasses in terms of customer experience and marketing.

Stonegate has defended its decision, stating that the charge is necessary in order to ensure that the company can continue to invest in its pub estate and provide the best possible experience for customers. The company has also stressed that tenants will still have the option to use non-branded glasses if they prefer.

It remains to be seen how this move will impact Stonegate’s relationships with its tenants and customers, as well as the wider pub industry. However, it highlights the challenges faced by operators in the current economic climate and the need to find innovative ways to manage costs and improve profitability.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Rising prices in pubs and restaurants increasing UK inflation

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The hospitality sector in the UK is experiencing a surge in prices, which is said to be linked to the country’s increasing inflation rate. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.1% in February 2023, compared to 1.8% in January 2023.

The ONS has identified a rise in food and drink prices, particularly in the hospitality sector, as a key factor contributing to the increase in inflation. Prices for eating and drinking out in pubs and restaurants have reportedly increased by 2.4% in comparison to the same period in the previous year. The cost of takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks has also risen significantly.

This inflation rate hike may be concerning for UK consumers, as it means that the cost of goods and services is rising faster than wages. This could lead to a reduction in spending power and put pressure on household budgets.

Other factors, such as an increase in fuel prices and household utilities, have also been identified as contributors to the rise in inflation. However, the increase in food and drink prices within the hospitality industry is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the challenges that businesses in this sector are currently facing.

The hospitality industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many businesses are struggling to balance increasing costs with the need to remain competitive. This rise in prices may reflect the difficulties that the industry is facing, as businesses try to recoup losses incurred during the pandemic while investing in new safety measures and staff training.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

PCA issues new MRO guidance.

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The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has issued new guidance regarding market rent only (MRO) offers for UK pubs. The guidance provides clarity on the MRO process and aims to help tenants and pub-owning businesses understand their rights and obligations.

Under the Pubs Code, tenants of tied pubs have the right to request an MRO tenancy, which allows them to buy beer and other supplies on the open market rather than being tied to the pub-owning business’s supply chain. The new guidance explains the MRO process, including the information required to make a valid MRO request and the timescales involved.

The guidance also provides information on how MRO rent is calculated and what factors should be taken into account. Additionally, it covers issues such as arbitration and rent reviews, as well as the obligations of both tenants and pub-owning businesses under the Pubs Code.

The Pubs Code Adjudicator has stated that the guidance is intended to be a living document and will be updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation or best practice. The aim is to ensure that tenants and pub-owning businesses have access to clear and up-to-date information on MRO offers and their rights and obligations under the Pubs Code.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Petition to reduce VAT to 10%

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Pub landlords in the UK are calling for a reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) as a means of aiding the recovery of pubs struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. An article published on March 17th, 2023, by The Guardian reports that the pub industry is urging the government to lower the tax on beer and other alcohol in order to alleviate the financial pressure pubs are experiencing.

The pandemic has had a severe impact on pubs in the UK, with many being forced to temporarily or permanently close due to reduced customer demand and restrictions on social gatherings. Lowering the VAT rate would allow pubs to reduce their costs and increase their profitability, which would be particularly significant for those that are struggling to remain operational.

Additionally, the pub industry contends that a reduction in VAT would attract more customers to pubs since the cost of drinks would be lower. This would not only benefit pubs, but also the broader hospitality sector and the economy as a whole.

In conclusion, the plea for a decrease in the VAT rate on alcohol is a means for pub landlords to communicate to the government their need for support during these trying times. As the UK continues to navigate through the pandemic, finding ways to assist struggling businesses like pubs is critical for their survival and for the overall health of the economy.

The petition to reduce the VAT rate to 10% for hospitality businesses can be signed by clicking HERE. More than 12,000 people have already signed.
The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

A summary of expectations for the 2023 Spring Budget from the hospitality sector.

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One of the main requests from the hospitality industry is for continued financial support, particularly for businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. This includes an extension of the reduced rate of VAT for hospitality and tourism, which is currently set to end in September 2023.

Another area of concern is business rates, which many in the sector feel are too high. Hospitality businesses are calling for a reduction in rates or a revaluation of the system, which they feel unfairly penalises smaller businesses.

There is also a demand for increased investment in training and apprenticeships, to help address the skills shortage in the sector and to support the development of a more sustainable workforce.

Additionally, the industry is urging the government to address the issue of staff shortages by making it easier for workers from overseas to come to the UK. This includes a call for a more flexible and streamlined visa system for EU and non-EU workers, as well as a review of the salary threshold for skilled workers.

Finally, there is a push for greater clarity and transparency around Covid-related restrictions, particularly when it comes to the potential reintroduction of lockdown measures. Hospitality businesses want to see clear guidelines and support to help them navigate any future restrictions.

Overall, the hospitality industry is looking for support and investment from the government to help them recover from the pandemic and to build a sustainable future. The sector will be eagerly watching the Spring Budget 2023 to see if their requests are met.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.