Punch Taverns is preparing its estate for the smoking ban by turning its focus to food.

The UK’s largest pubco has appointed former Spirit Group food implementation and training executive Alan Todd to head up its new catering team.

He will be supported by four catering executives – Nick Hemming, Stephen Ham, Andy Briggs and Kate Salisbury.  Three of the four have also joined from Spirit, apart from Stephen who was previously with 3663.

With the pending smoking ban in England and Wales, coupled with learnings from Scotland, Punch recognises that its retailers need to have a food offer, however basic, as part of their future strategy.

Alan said: “This is an exciting time for pub food, which is showing tremendous growth.  The trend is set to continue when the smoking ban is introduced in July.

“Those retailers who seize the food opportunity now in terms of additional revenue and attracting new customers are more likely to keep their business robust during and after the transition period.”

Punch’s mission is to help its retailers build better businesses and Alan is keen to stress that the advice his experienced team will be dishing out to those retailers wanting assistance will not cost a penny.

He said: “We are here to help.  Our research has shown there is great potential to develop food sales in our pubs but there are around 2,000 retailers in need of support and guidance.  That’s where our new catering execs come in. 

“We will also be looking to ensure our retailers can get the very best deals in the market by building closer relationships with suppliers and using our extensive contacts and buying power through the managed estate, Spirit.”

Punch Taverns is the UK’s largest pub company with over 9,200 leased, tenanted and managed outlets.

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For further information please contact Jo Mathers or Nick Trueman at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780.