UK pub operator Star Pubs & Bars has reported 100% positive feedback from its licensees about their future prospects at the company’s annual forum in Milan last week.
Of the 40 representative licensees from across the UK in attendance, 61% said they felt ‘very positive’ and 39% were ‘quite positive’ about trade in 2017.
When asked about the biggest issues facing the industry in 2017, staffing emerged as a key concern, while 20% of licensees raised business rates as a problem. An increase in staff costs was a concern for 34%, as was kitchen staff recruitment (17%) and business rates (19.5%). The cost of utilities and lack of investment were less worrying factors to licensees this year.
Lawson Mountstevens, Managing director of Star, said, “The positive feedback demonstrates a real confidence in the leased pub industry. This is particularly striking given the uncertainties facing the economy. As further proof of their optimism, 97.8% said they would take on another pub with Star or advocate us.”
