Bedford Businesses in Awards Shortlisting Bonanza
Three related Bedford businesses have been shortlisted in The Publican Awards 2010, the so-called Oscars for the brewing and pub trade.
Charles Wells is defending its 2009 crown as the Pub Company of the Year for operations of over 200 pubs run under tenancy and lease agreements. Last year it was praised for the support it provides its licensees and the innovative ways it was helping them through the recession. In 2009, Charles Wells has worked even closer with licensees to provide very practical assistance that helps them deliver a great pub experience for their customers and is one of just four shortlisted finalists as a result. It bought 31 pubs in the summer, bringing its estate to 257 and its ground-breaking induction programme, CRISP, is also shortlisted in the National Innkeeping Training Awards (NITA) 2010.
One of the Charles Wells leased pubs has been named as a finalist in three categories of The Publican Awards 2010. The White Horse on Newnham Avenue, Bedford is well known to many people locally and was a popular winner of the National Tenanted/Leased Pub of the Year at the 2009 awards ceremony. Licensees Nigel and Sue Anstead are shortlisted for this award again, as well as Community Pub and Publican of the Year.
The third business hoping for success at the awards is Wells and Young’s Brewing Company, based at the brewery in Queen’s Park. Shortlisted in the Regional Brewer category, Wells & Young’s has led the way in innovation and cask beer quality and is the UK's leading brewer of speciality beers including Drink of England Wells Bombardier and Bedfordshire favourite, Wells Eagle IPA.
Commenting on the announcement, Charles Wells Pub Company Sales and Marketing Director Peter Wells said “Last year the judges commented on how much work we’d done to help our licensees and we’ve redoubled that effort this year. We’ve developed new training courses, provided additional marketing support and financial expertise and simplified many of our procedures to make our customer service even more effective. These are just some of the reasons why many of our existing licensees are outperforming their competition and why record numbers of people are applying online (http://www.charleswells.co.uk/home/business-opportunities) to run one of our pubs as their own business. The Charles Wells Pub Company team have really gone the extra mile to help this year and, alongside our hardworking licensees, deserve the recognition that being shortlisted provides.”
The announcement gave even greater cause for celebration when two associated businesses were also shortlisted in their respective categories. “Wells and Young’s is another company within the Charles Wells group” explained Peter Wells “and our businesses are very closely linked. They brew some fantastic beers and have led a nationwide resurgence in cask beers so it’s reassuring to know that the quality and service of drinks our licensees and, ultimately, their customers receive is in good hands.”
“We’re also thrilled for Nigel and Sue Anstead at The White Horse in Bedford” continued Wells. “They know their community like their own family and provide a great pub experience that draws everyone in and gives them a reason to visit the pub. Whether it’s a quiz night, karaoke, charity fundraiser or just traditional English pub food and a great pint of cask beer, the White Horse is THE place to be.”
The winners of The Publican Awards 2010 will be announced at an awards ceremony on 21st April at the Grosvenor House Hotel and all three Bedford businesses will be there in hope and expectation.
- ENDS -
For Immediate Release: tbc 2010
For Further Information, please contact:
Kate Hempsall, Charles Wells Pub Company Mob: +44 (0)7976 941958
kate.hempsall@charleswells.co.uk
Joanna Dring, Wells & Young’s Brewing Co Ltd, Mob: +44 (0)7814 717375
joanna.dring@wellsandyoungs.co.uk
Sue & Nigel Anstead, The White Horse, Bedford Tel: 01234 409306
