Pub company boss says 'the fightback starts here'
THE boss of one of the country’s biggest pub companies had issued a defiant call to arms proclaiming that the renaissance of the brewing and pub industries will begin ‘right here in Burton’.
Spirit chief executive Mike Tye claimed in an exclusive interview with the Mail that people would be making a ‘big mistake’ if they continued to write off the industries’ future prospects — despite the multitude of problems they have faced in recent years.
He also outlined plans on how the Centrum 100 based managed and leased pub firm would continue to grow towards becoming the ‘best pub company in the whole of the country’.
Spirit broke away from Punch Taverns and became an independent company in August last year.
Mr Tye said: “Since the demerger, we have been working on growing the business towards becoming the best in the industry.
“We have noted things that we have done right, but also what we have done wrong, and used this as a kicking point for growth, investment and improvement.
“We have recently had a good set of financial results and we will continue to reinvest — which will see more people being taken on to help us take on the extra workload, but also to make sure we continue to meet the very high standards we set ourselves.
“The last few years have been tough on brewers and pub companies, from beer duty and VAT rises to things such as the smoking ban.
“There have been winners and losers but people are making a big mistake if they write off both industries.
“With firms like Spirit, Molson Coors and Marston’s, the revival will begin right here in Burton.”
Recent investments and refurbishments by Spirit Group have included the Chesterfield Arms, in Ashby Road East, Bretby, and the Mill House, in Milford Drive, Stretton, creating 27 new jobs.
“But the work doesn’t end now the money has been spent,” Mr Tye said.
“We have to grow sales which in time will help grow the company.
“In the next five to 10 years, I can’t say for definite where this firm will be, but we are working with the aim of being twice our current size and the best pub company in the whole of the country.”
