Pubs and bars try out new ideas to beat recession

02 November 2009 by
Pubs and bars try out new ideas to beat recession

Pub and bar operators are diversifying their offer in increasingly unusual ways to combat the effects of the recession, research has revealed.

In a poll of 60 members of industry body BII, 94% said they have tried out new ideas for their businesses in the last 12 months, with a further 6% planning to do so shortly.

Whilst many have added extensive food offers, accommodation, post office facilities, and hosting community groups to their repertoire, others provide more unusual offerings, including camping facilities, secure wetsuit and surfboard drying areas and foreign exchange services.

More than eight in ten (84%) have invested up to £5,000 in introducing new ideas, with 52% expecting a return on their investment within six months with a further 30% expecting dividends within a year

Neil Robertson, chief executive of the BII, said: "Yes, times are tough for some, but licensees with entrepreneurial flair who use their initiative and take a few calculated risks can reap the rewards. This industry is unique for budding entrepreneurs in the current climate; there is enormous scope for their talents."

The survey was conducted as part of the report, produced in conjunction with sector skills council People 1st.

The report also incorporated a People 1st survey of more than 300 licensed operators that identified several core skills as lacking in the industry - customer handling, technical, job specific, team working and problem-solving skills. The shortfall in people management and finance skills, in particular, seems to be hampering the industry. A third of survey respondents reported difficulties in recruiting bar managers. Whilst there is no shortage of applicants, many do not have all the required skills, attributes and experience, they said.

On a positive note, development opportunities for staff are increasing, with nearly three quarters (71%) of pubs, bars and nightclubs now providing or arranging training for their staff, compared to 64% in 2005.


Pub landlords keen to diversify into parcel collection >>

The human cost of pub closures >>

Real Ale can offer a "lifeline" for operators during the recession >>
Pubs urged to focus on food to offset wet sales decline >>

Hospitality diploma can help recruit the next generation, says People 1st >>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next bar or pub job here with Caterersearch.com jobs

Blogs on Caterersearch.com](http://www.caterersearch.com/blogs) Catch up with more news and gossip on all Caterer's blogs
[Newsletters For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters.
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking