Everards blitzes licensees
Following the launch of its ‘Springboard' initiative for licensees earlier this year, Everards has undertaken a ‘Blitz' feedback survey throughout its tenanted estate.
An integral part of the Springboard package is the provision of support and assistance for licensees with the arrival of the long awaited smoking ban. The initiative also heralded a £1.5M investment on smoking solutions and an additional spend of £1,500 per pub from the brewery.
Top line results from the Blitz survey have shown that 90 per cent of licensees had either a temporary or permanent smoking solution in place by 1 July 2007 and were happy with the Springboard process, with 89 per cent saying they were satisfied with the level of support and delivery from Everards.
On the overall Springboard package and the introduction of new offers for pub goers, 44 per cent of licensees (66 pubs) had implemented a new menu, 69 per cent had ordered a deep clean and 20 per cent had added the provision of coffee to their pub.
David Bremner, operations director - commercial for Everards, said: "We're delighted that Springboard has been so well received by the licensees and the overall take-up of the various initiatives from the package has gone a long way to helping them to meet the smoking ban head on.
"It only goes to show that by adopting an innovative approach to something as crucial as the smoking ban, it is possible to reduce the impact on a pub's business. It's all about not being afraid of change and looking at new ways of doing things and we're confident as licensees embrace more aspects of Springboard, their businesses will go from strength to strength."
Described by the brewery as a managed house support package but for a tenanted estate, Springboard provides advice and help in all areas of running a successful pub business, covering subjects from staff training, point of sale, promotions, food and wine and how best to approach smoking solutions.
Everards' licensees are encouraged to use the Springboard brochure in consultation with their BDM to enable them to talk through their requirements in detail.
The Springboard initiative was also considered a major contributing factor to the brewery winning the Pub Company of the Year 2007 award.