Whiting and Hammond Corporate site

 

from the article : 50 Most influencial people - Morning Advertiser

No:46 - Up-and-coming multiples

29/05/2008

Rupert Clevely, Lee Cash, Hamish Stoddart, Mark Butler, Chris Gerard, Brian Whiting,

smaller managed-pub operators (new entry)

Why they are on the list:

Small entrepreneurial leased-pub operators continue to prove an innovative and progressive part of the market. These businesses span the gamut of offers, but are often food-led, capitalising on the UK's burgeoning dining-out culture.

What the past year has held:

The smoking ban and switch to a stronger food-led focus provided operators with an ever-greater market opportunity. Their innovations are often closely watched by the larger managed operators. After the Morning Advertiser published a list of the UK's key 100 multiple independent manager operators, one sizeable managed firm is known to have toured the country checking out their pubs for ideas.

Challenges ahead:

Much now depends on the performance of the economy and how long the current economic uncertainties will prevail. If the boat steadies and good summer weather bathes the country, then the multiples are likely to perform far better than other struggling sectors of the trade.