Adnams, the brewer, pub and hotel operator, saw both its turnover and operating profits rise during 2006 at the same time as appointing Marks and Spencer’s executive director for marketing Steven Sharp, as a non-executive director.

The Suffolk company saw turnover grow from £45.4m in 2005 to £46m by the end of 2006. Operating profits increased from £3.6m in 2005 to £4.1m. 

Adnams said that 2006 had seen difficult market conditions, from heavy discounts during the 2006 football World Cup to consolidation among the larger brewers and fragmentation at the bottom end but their focus on growing retail through the Cellar and Kitchen stores brand was moving them towards a more sustainable future.

Chairman Jonathan Adnams said: “I am delighted that Steven Sharp joins the Adnams Board as a non-executive director at a time when growth is very much on our agenda.”

As well as brewing their own beer Adnams operate 84 pubs and two hotels. At the beginning of 2006 they announced a strategic review, which led to job cuts.

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By Christopher Walton 

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