PUB16, the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the pub industry, has announced that UK Pubs Minister Marcus Jones MP will show his support by opening this year’s show. Since his appointment in May 2015, Jones has been vocal about the need for support and championing of local pubs and their importance in the community, sentiments which are echoed by the show itself.
In 2013 Jones successfully secured an historic cut in beer duty after lobbying to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator allowing publicans to purchase beer at record lows. Following this achievement Jones was crowned Parliament’s Beer Champion by prominent pub groups, reflecting the industry’s gratitude for his efforts.
During his opening speech at the show, on Tuesday 9 February at London’s Olympia, Jones will be addressing some of the most pressing issues and topics facing publicans in the UK and offering words of wisdom to those looking to start their publican journey in the coming years.
Show director Luke Perry comments on the announcement: “Having the Pubs Minster opening the show this year is a testament to both the show’s growing reputation and the influence of the pub sector in today’s society. We wholeheartedly share in the minister’s passion and vision for the future of the industry and look forward to welcoming him to the show.”
As well as hearing from Marcus Jones MP, visitors to PUB16 will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the free-to-attend seminars covering a range of hot topics including a ‘State of the Nation’ discussion. Chaired by chief executive of the ALMR Kate Nicholls, the talk will feature eminent leaders from trade associations including Brigid Simmonds (BBPA), Anthony Pender (BII) and Tim Page (CAMRA).
Meanwhile, ‘Clash of the Titans’ will feature three of the craft beer revolution’s biggest success stories. Nick Miller, CEO of Meantime Brewing Co, Jasper Cuppaidge, founder of Camden Town Brewery and Gareth Bath, head of sales at BrewDog participate in this rare debate and share their tips for major commercial success.
Offering attendees the chance to hear from industry experts with the opportunity to put their own questions forward, the seminars are unmissable for any publican attending the show looking to expand their knowledge and improve their business in the year to come.
PUB16 will also feature a dedicated ‘Recruit – Train – Retain’ area of the show in response to the £274m staff retention bill currently facing the industry. The Recruit – Train – Retain area features industry leaders and recruitment experts People 1st, CPL Training Group, HIT Training, hospitality industry charity Springboard and the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). They will be hosting invaluable careers and training talks and seminars throughout the two-day show, on focusing key recruitment and retention issues, with Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns also showcasing their tenanted pub programme within the section.
With such an exciting and insightful line-up of free-to-attend seminars, advanced booking is highly recommended to ensure visitors to the show don’t miss out.
For more information on PUB16, to register to attend for free or to book a place on one of the seminars please visit www.thepubshow.co.uk.