Expanding pub estate brings cheer to Belhaven

The Belhaven Group, Scotland's leading regional brewer and pub operator, turned in another "sparkling" set of half-year figures this week, putting it on course for a 14th year of continuous growth.

In the 26 weeks to 26 September, the group boosted pre-tax profits to £9.7m, up by 27% compared with the same six-month period last year. Turnover was £56.78m, an increase of 20.4%.

Much of the growth came from the expansion of the pub estate, which grew by a net 26 outlets to 255 sites, of which 98 were managed and 157 were leased.

While the drinks division boosted operating profit by 10% to £5.06m, it was outshone by the pubs arm, where operating profits soared 32% to £7.52m.

Belhaven's managed estate was the star performer, increasing its profit contribution by 38.9% to £5.46m and turnover by 38.8% to £20.98m. The tenanted side increased both turnover and profit by 29%, to £6.76 and £3.51m respectively.