A total of 1,522 retailers completed almost 4,000 deals during a series of road shows staged by pub operator Punch Taverns.

The pubco organised a series of business building events at major sporting venues across the UK to promote its latest supplier deals.

Attendees were also invited to a free seminar on preparing for next year’s smoking ban.

Punch’s category manager Claire Archer, who coordinated each of the eight road shows, said: “We were delighted with the response from our retailers.  It’s never easy to entice people away from their businesses, but the benefits for those that did attend were considerable.

“There were discounts on a range of essential pub products and practical advice on formulating an effective plan for managing the forthcoming smoking ban.

“Footfall was up by 28 per cent compared to the trade shows we held last year and at the Leeds show alone an amazing 291 Punch pubs were represented during the day.”

Dawn Edwards runs two Punch pubs with her sister Ruth, the Wrens and Chemic Tavern, both in Leeds.  She attended the Leeds road show at Elland Road.

“It’s a great opportunity to talk individually to the various suppliers and Punch representatives, find out what they have to offer and make sure you get the best deals,” she said.

“I also signed up for Punch’s new Privilege Club, which means I will continue to get discounts on stock until the New Year.”

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