RE: Sp23 Jun 2022 20:55
Barchid, have just returned from a Business trip, taking in Wales, Midlands and East Anglia. Always stay at different Motels/Hotels and try to get first hand info from Managers/ Landlords at the coal face.
It seems location does determine the level of recovery post covid. Barrelage sales does vary. Family orientated pubs which tend to depend on not just passing trade but access by Cars, which in turn is being restricted by fuel costs. Consequently although foot fall has increased the sales generated have not, patrons making 1 drink last. Pubs/Motels close to conurbations where younger drinkers proliferate are enjoying increased sales even though there is reluctance to pay £5-6 a pint.
It is apparent Families are more than ever budget conscious, younger drinkers not so.
It has astonished me the number of Pubs that now have restricted opening hours, many close at 9.00pm. One Publican states the availabilty of staff is an enormous issue. Previous employees, who were experienced and often local, left when lockdown commenced. These workers have not returned because of the uncertainty within the hospitality industry, consequently recruiting good reliable staff, who need training, is a big problem especially when wages have become an important factor in attracting workers.
Looking at the accomodation side, which Marstons have set has it's goal in achieving improved returns, similar problems of staffing are evident, many establishments requiring staff to multi task. This has been the requirement for some years, however it seems to have become even more so now. Consequently I noticed staff are being overworked and mistakes happen. This is not good for the image of individual establishments. I make clear this not only affecting Marstons but majority of other providers. In essence it comes down to good well-trained staff who are valued. I was incensed at 1 Marston's motel, after a long and arduois day I was kept waiting, having pre-booked, at reception for sometime. The Receptionist was running around like a scolded cat, waiting on tables, managing staff etc. I accepted what I was seeing, it would not have been fair to complain to the receptionist. The experience repeated elsewhere, just proves the issues affecting the performance of companies. A company that does not react in a better customer focused manner, will lose business. Whitbread for it's size does seem to have got Premier Inns better organised/managed than most other providers.
Comment has been made regarding the sales output from CMBC, remember Marstons only have a 40% share. Sales through Pubs undoubtedly attract a good margin whereas through supermarkets who often have promotional offers if only to get customers into the store in the expectation they will buy other higher margin products. Buying Hogoblin at £1.50 and less leaves little margin for the brewery, who have the costs of transport, packaging etc.
Costs of brewing have and are rising exponentonally.
contd
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