Pub sector raising a glass to new growth

ENCOURAGING signs of growth in the UK pub sector has emerged from new data published by Barclays.

Some 52% of North West pub businesses were established in the last three years, according to analysis by the banking company.

And the number of pub owners aged between 25 and 34 has risen by a 25% since 2012.

More than one in four (27%) North West pubs are solely owned by a femals landlandy, while the average pub turnover has increased by 23% from 2012.

This growth is despite official industry figures which show a decline in the total number of small and medium sized pubs in the UK in the last three years. In addition to the rise of new pubs, over one in four (26%) have been running for 10 years or more.

Michael Hartig, managing director at Barclays in the North West said: “It’s been long-reported that this is an industry met by challenges for pub owners, however our research shows that this has not deterred the next generation of ‘pub innovators’ from setting up shop.

“It’s great to see optimism for growth within this sector. Beyond the headlines of pub closures, turnover growth and a rise of new businesses is encouraging.

“There are also a large number of establishments that have managed to sustain and grow their business in the last decade, including those that have renewed their business plans in response to changing customer appetites – the rise in those catering with pub food for example has enabled diversification.

“The UK’s pub businesses are a key part of Britain’s culture and heritage in addition to a valuable contributor to the economy.”

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