All Opinion articles – Page 52
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OpinionSee through the fog
Excise duty for pubs increased last year despite the beer duty cut, points out JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin, who challenges the industry to see through the “illusory economic benefits” of policies that are supposed to help pubs
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OpinionHill start at Las Iguanas
Steve Hill, the new chief executive at Las Iguanas, talks to Mark Wingett about how a meeting over a curry got him the only job he “would return to the sector for” and describes the challenge he faces in not “mucking up” an exceptional business
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Opinion
Appeal to the Amazon generation
When it comes to creating a brand that will go down a storm with 18 to 24-year-olds, you need to consider fun, value and convenience, says Luke Mitchell, head of insight at the Voxburner market research agency
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OpinionStonegate's brave new world
In his last interview before resigning as chief executive of Stonegate Pub Company, a spirited Toby Smith discusses Missoula, Common Room, Popworld and the firm’s approach to investments and acquisitions. He speaks about how the pub giant has integrated Living Room and the former Bramwell portfolio, and addresses rumours of an imminent IPO
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OpinionTime to beat the drum on jobs
There has been some fine work carried out on highlighting the career possibilities available across the sector over the last couple of years, but with the campaign to cut VAT seemingly being moved into the sidings by the Government for the time being, it is time to ramp up an issue it can’t afford to ignore, job creation. The sector just needs a figurehead to lead the way in highlighting the breadth of the careers now available
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OpinionHow democracy works
Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, provides an update on the latest from the VAT Club and how progress is being made with politicians on some of its key points
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OpinionA message to Enterprise CEO
After more than 20 years as chief executive, Ted Tuppen left Enterprise Inns this month. The question everyone is now asking is: what will happen now Simon Townsend has taken over? Pub industry consultant Phil Dixon offers his advice
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OpinionHorses for courses, venues for menus
A three course meal at a pub now costs – on average – just £1.99 less than a three course meal at a restaurant (£18.67 vs £20.66), according to Horizons’ latest Menurama survey. Rob Willock explores the dynamic of price points in pubs versus restaurants, particularly as the lines between the two continue to blur with the rise of hybrid concepts
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Opinion
McMullen’s opens first newbuild
Hertfordshire brewer and operator McMullen’s has opened its first newbuild pub in 25 years, and has spoken of the long and difficult road to launch thanks to Government red tape
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OpinionWho will float next?
With numerous high profile flotations on the agenda, Sam Fuller, head of UK consumer at international investment bank Altium, discusses the leisure sector’s IPO prospects
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OpinionConflict or harmony?
Landlord and tenant – conflict or harmony? That was the topic of the Restaurant Property Advisors Society’s (RPAS) annual Question Time at CBRE’s office in central London, with panelists including Luke Johnson of Risk Capital, Jillian MacLean of Drake and Morgan and Kieran Sherlock of YO! Sushi
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OpinionAre Scores on the Doors the future for food safety?
According to a report by Which? in some areas, more than a third of restaurants, takeaways and shops are failing to comply with food hygiene standards. Pat Perry, executive chairman at leading health and safety experts, Perry Scott Nash digs under the surface of these figures
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OpinionFrom beer to boardroom
Richard Westwood tells Robyn Black about his lengthy career in brewing and promotion to managing director at Marston’s, and explains how the creation of Fastcask and a new bottling plant are key to the company’s growth plans
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OpinionIs the coffee shop the new pub?
”Forget the war of the coffee shops. The battle between big chains such as Starbucks, Costa and Caffè Nero and their smaller independent rivals is nothing compared to the real clash on the high street – coffee shops versus the great British pub”
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OpinionWorking on many fronts
James Horler, CEO of 3Sixty Restaurants, tells Mel Flaherty about the firm’s turtle-like rate of growth and why restaurant diners just want to be entertained
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OpinionMaking Admiral admirable again
Admiral Taverns was in far from great shape when Jonathan Paveley stepped in as executive chairman to help lead a turnaround. Here he reveals the steps he took with his team to get business back on track
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OpinionWork that experience
Consumers have become ‘value hunters’ and are increasingly willing to go extra lengths to get the best deal, making it more important than ever to build the relationship that will create brand loyalty. But with this loyalty comes further expectations
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Opinion
More green shoots on the way
Indicators suggest the eating-out market will experience growth this year. Peter Backman looks at the economic picture and gives his view of what could happen in 2014
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OpinionPivotal point for London
From the best ways to deal with the sector’s ongoing recruitment problems to the growing use of technology in modern restaurants, consultant Adam Hyman shares his views on what the new year holds in store for the nation’s capital
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OpinionPunching to a standstill
Mark Brumby at Langton Capital takes a look at the latest on Punch Taverns’ attempts to push through its proposals regarding its debt restructure, the response from bondholders and asks, amongst other questions, whose court is the ball in now?