OTS p22 decisions Dec08.qxp 03/12/2008 13:43 Page 22
business building · business decisions
Time to make a change?
As 2009 beckons a lot of people life in the trade. This experience, he says, is
working in the trade will be imperative if anyone wants to run their own
considering whether this is the
business. “I’d always recommend anyone to
year in which they go it alone. If
get their own unit but it’s not fun and games,
you’re one of them, read on, as
as some people might think it is,” he says.
Barrie Brown from Brown Taylor
“The most important thing is to work your way
talks to OTS about the rigours of
up the ladder from the bottom rung and learn
going it alone.
every process from being a KP in a kitchen, to
a bartender, waiter, manager, GM and then
As joint owner of Brown Taylor, Barrie Brown eventually get your own business.”
is a man well-placed to talk about the finer Barrie advises that if you don’t have that
points of growing a fledgling pub business. level of background, hire someone who does.
And if you are thinking of moving from a The road to making a success of a venture
management position to running your own begins with the people you employ, but as
business, or if you’re thinking of expanding Barrie says, it’s a tough journey. “There’s not
your existing business, the turn of the year is one thing that stands out as being the hardest
always a time to ponder decisions such as part of running a pub – I think it’s everything
99 Hanover Street is one
these. from finding the right staff, making sure all
of Brown Taylor’s four
Barry believes that despite the current your legislation is in place, and understood. successful premises.
economic situation the risk has to be The whole business itself is difficult to run –
assessed: “Anyone who wants to expand at there’s so many different areas that you’ve got you but that’s not what I’ve found from S&N
the moment, they have to take the to cover.” at all. We’re there to help each other. If we
opportunity because there’s deals to be had if Brown Taylor has worked with Scottish & want to expand they’ll help us do it. There’s
you’re in a strong cash-flow situation. So Newcastle on each of its four pubs – so much experience there that they can come
definitely look around, there’s so much on including the latest addition to the portfolio, in and tell you what you’re doing right and
offer.” Hawke + Hunter. “Everyone from S&N that wrong.”
Brown Taylor began life in 2006 with the I’ve worked with has really helped us get So times may be tough out there, but if
opening of 99 Hanover Street – with Barrie where we are just now. Some people have you’re thinking about opening a pub, or
setting the company up with silent partner this perception that pub companies are just expanding your current business, now could
Simon Taylor, after spending his entire working there to take money from you and not help actually be a rewarding time to do it.
UIforwardMaking the right decisions
In the first of a two part series looking at changes you can make
to your business in the new year, Stephen Rooney, Scottish &
S&N Pub Enterprises’
Newcastle Pub Enterprises’ commercial manager for Scotland, Stephen Rooney gives
discusses whether it’s a good time for pubs to invest.
his business tips.
“At S&N Pub Enterprises we are continuing to invest in our
pubs with our lessees because the economic downturn means
consumers will be more discerning about how and where they
spend their money. That means your outlet has to be at the top of
its game, which may require investment in the building. The
industry is more competitive and those who continue to deliver a
great customer experience will prosper. If investment enhances the
customer experience you are sure to get a return.
“There are some outstanding opportunities out on the market
at present, and good operators are still making strong returns on
their capital. Make sure you understand the site you are
considering and look at where you can introduce a unique selling for great service when your attentions are elsewhere. Make sure
point. Many operators with one successful pub believe the model standards don’t drop in your original site as you focus on
can be easily transported to a second unit. Different skills are expansion.
required as a multiple operator. Instead of your presence and “Remember, people need a reason to get out to the pub. Make
personality behind the bar bringing the customer in, you will be sure there is a structured regular programme of events such as
required to lead a team to deliver a great retail experience. It’s poker, quiz, video games machines like the Nintendo WII and
important to be honest about how much of the success of your themed food nights. If you have darts and pool, get competitions
original site is driven by your presence in the pub. With more running in a structured way on set nights. Maximise your
than one unit it will be harder to spend as much time in each investment in televised sport, make sure games are promoted
pub, and you need to build a team who can deliver your passion professionally and well advertised in advance.”
· 22 · ots · december 2008 · www.55north.com/ots_home.asp
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