Modern technology can help pubs generate extra revenue

Marston’s is the latest pub operator to use satellite navigation to ensure its pubs are brought to the attention of potential customers wherever they are in the country.

Motorists can now flag up all 1,700 of Marston’s outlets via a free application for their sat navs which flashes the pub group’s logo for nearest outlets on the screen map.

A ‘navigate to’ function also highlights all the pubs closest to the location along with a planned route to reach them.

“When people are out and about with friends and family, it can be difficult to find somewhere a bit different to go for a bite to eat or drink,” said Amelia Cree, Marston’s retail solutions manager. “This download makes it easy to find a Marston’s Pub Company outlet wherever you are in the country,” she added.

Competitor pub chain JD Wetherspoon along with the Good Pub Guide and AA Guides offer similar sat nav applications including the proximity, contact details and even reviews of local pubs in the area.

Meanwhile, information resource the Pub and Bar Network has introduced a device to help licensees upload information that automatically links to associated websites.

The Network, which provides information about events at pubs across the country, provides licensees with a code that duplicates information they upload on their own websites about sports events on to other sites they are registered to.

Pub and Bar Network managing director Perry Mayer said the “widget” helps to ensure that every pro-active licensee in the country gets their content out to the right people at the right time.

“Licensees, especially managers, are being asked to do even more on ever decreasing budgets and this widget will save them time by allowing them to update on one website which, will in turn automatically update all others they are promoted on,” said Mayer.

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By Emma White

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