Punch Taverns has named its Business Relationship Managers of the Year for the North and South regions at a gala awards dinner held at Billesley Manor Hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

Michael Bridger from Nuneaton, Warwickshire has been named Business Relationship Manager (BRM) of the Year for the South, while Richard Woodward from Fridaythorpe, near Driffield in Yorkshire has been chosen as the northern region’s BRM of the Year.

Both beat off stiff competition from seven other nominated colleagues in each of the respective regions and now go head-to-head in the national final, with the winner announced at Punch’s annual conference this autumn.

Michael was presented with his award by the company’s director Jackie Moody, with Richard receiving his award from operations director north Andrew Thompson.

Commenting on his award Richard said: “I really am very pleased to win this award – I have only been with Punch for two years, joining the company from an area manager role with McDonalds, so it’s great to receive this recognition so soon.”

Michael joined Punch Taverns in September 2005, but has worked in business development roles within the licensed trade for some 20 years.  Former employers include the Spirit Group, now a subsidiary of Punch, plus Tom Cobleigh and Greene King.

He said: “I am extremely proud to receive this recognition. The BRM role is an important one and not without its challenges.  But for me that is the attraction – no two days are the same and working closely with licensees to explore new ways of improving their businesses is a hugely rewarding experience.”

Commenting on Michael and Richard’s success Deborah Kemp, managing director of Punch Taverns leased division said: “I would like to congratulate both individuals on their achievement. Richard and Michael are relative newcomers to the company so it is a tribute to their drive and ambition that they have already established themselves so quickly.”
 
“They both exhibit a real commitment to putting their retailers at the heart of everything they do, adding value through an individual approach to their customers to help make their businesses successful. I look forward to spending time with both of them to determine who will be awarded our national BRM of the year accolade in the autumn.”

Both winners received a trophy and £250 worth of ‘experience day’ vouchers which are redeemable for a selection of activities including parachuting and motor racing.

Punch Taverns is the UK’s largest pub operator with more than 8,400 leased, tenanted and managed outlets. 

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