Punch Taverns, the UK’s largest pub operator, has appointed a key new figure in its campaign to champion and support pubs in West Sussex. Simon Thornton of Angmering has joined Punch as a business relationship manager (BRM) supporting pubs in Chichester, Bognor Regis, Lancing, Worthing, Arundel, Pulborough and Littlehampton.

Simon will report to operations manager David Morgan and will work closely with 57 licensees across West Sussex to help them build successful, sustainable businesses.

Simon has several years experience in the trade having previously spent 11 years at Threshers. In 2002 he moved out to Dubai to run a duty free business.  He returned in 2006 to run a wine shop in Bognor prior to taking on the role with Punch.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “As I’ve run my own business in the past I can see things from the licensee’s point of view.  The BRM role is about helping licensees understand their customers and adapting their offer to meet their needs and wants. A ‘one size fits all’ approach no longer applies. It’s about driving retail standards to ensure those customers keep coming back!”
 
He adds: “I genuinely believe it is a great time for budding entrepreneurs to get in to the pub industry. Punch offers a huge amount of support to its licensees so I’m delighted to be in a position to help these entrepreneurs build better businesses.”

Simon, 36 lives with his wife and two boys in Angmering.  As well as enjoying pubs, Simon also enjoys golf and is an avid football fan.
 
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