Derbyshire licensees win BII Licensee of the Year 2010

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has named Richard and Loren Pope or rhe Bulls Head in Repton, Derbyshire, as its Licensees of the Year 2010.

The pair were awarded the accolade at today's BII annual lunch in London, which was attended by all six finalists.

The six finalists were:

• Nigel and Sue Anstead FBII from The White Horse, in Bedford
• Mark Barton MBII from the Taychreggan Hotel & Restaurant in Dundee
• Darran Lingley MBII from the Five Bells in Colne Engaine, Colchester, Essex
• Lucy and Mark Barron-Reid MBII from The Bull at Benenden, in Benenden, Kent
• Gerry Price FBII from The Inn @ West End, in West End, Woking, Surrey
• Richard and Loren Pope from The Bulls Head, in Repton, Derbyshire

BII chief executive Neil Robertson commented: “All six of our finalists really proved that they are at the top of their game, and with the challenging circumstances the industry face, it’s a very difficult game to be at the top of. Which makes winning even more significant when you’re up against the very best. Richard and Loren proved to the judges that they are switched on, business-savvy remarkable publicans who really know how to run a fantastic business that is really in tune with its customers and delivers on all levels. "

The pair have been licensees for three years, but Richard has over 21 years’ experience in the industry. They started running the Bulls Head as Punch tenants three years ago having taken it on as a derelict building, but within the last six months purchased the freehold from Punch.

The couple employ over 60 people, all employees go through a structured one-to-one training programme and they are currently in the process of developing an online training programme, which the couple hope will raise standards even further and allow for more ‘cross-training’ opportunities.

BII names 11 semi-finalists in its Licensee of The Year competition >> 

Henry Bennett named new director of finance at BII >>

Government threatens regulation if pubcos fail to reform >>

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