Robinsons’ £23m pubs investment pledge
FAMILY-owned brewer and pub operator Frederic Robinson has pledged to invest more than £23m in its estate over the next five years.
The business, now in the hands of its sixth generation, has more than 300 pubs in the North West and in North Wales.
The investment pledge came as the Stockport-based business, which was founded in the town in 1838, announced its financial results for 2014, which saw sales rise and a dip fall in profits due to ongoing investment in its estate.
Turnover in the year to the end of December rose £1m to £59.6m amid its highes beer production in 15 years. Operating profits fell from £1.3m to £1m in the period.
William Robinson, managing director (Pub Division), said: “We remain committed to the development and enhancement of our core tenanted pub estate with amplified investment going into repairs as well as refurbishments, alongside the development of our new managed house business.
“The strategic plan required a significant additional investment in our pub estate to improve the long-term fortunes of our company. Therefore we plan to accelerate this spend over the coming years and invest over £23m in 179 
schemes over the next five years and a similar amount in the maintenance of our pubs across the estate. So we can expect suppressed profit until at least the end of this period.”
Oliver Robinson, managing director (Beer Division), added: “As I’m sure people have noticed, from initiatives such as Trooper beer with Iron Maiden, our new ale Wizard, and some of the most unique refurbishments in our history, we are evolving.
“Our brew house investment in 2012 continues to give us greater production flexibility and this is being used to good effect in the development of an increasingly adventurous set of seasonal ales and our series of smaller batch bespoke beers; created in collaboration with our licensees. We are now in a great position to participate in the growing craft market whether that be in cask or keg.”
“Over the past two years, we’ve also been working hard to implement an ambitious growth plan for Free trade, Off Trade, Wholesale and Export – which appears to be paying off with 2015 currently outperforming 2014.
“With an established reputation, a first class collection of beers and pubs, an ability to innovate and respond to consumer demands, and equipment that provides unbeatable flexibility to deliver what the market requires… we are committed and prepared for many more generations of family brewing and pub ownership and these recent investments should be seen as a sign of that.”
