BII Licensee of the Year Award is launched

29-Aug-2001

The search is beginning to find a winner for the pub industry’s top award with the launch of the 2002 BII Licensee of the Year competition, sponsored by drink producer and wholesaler Matthew Clark and run by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) – the professional members organisation for licensed retailers. The competition aims to find the licensee or couple that epitomise the principles of the BII – high standards in all aspects of running their pub, the determination to build business, a passion for the industry, and the ability to recruit, motivate and retain good staff.

The competition culminates with the announcement of the winner at the pub industry’s Oscars – the glittering Publican Awards ceremony held in March at London’s Grosvenor House. As well as the prestige of winning the title of BII Licensee of the Year, the winners also receive a trophy and a cheque for £1,000.

Entrants for the award will first have to complete an entry form to test their knowledge of licensing law, drinks and other industry issues. From these, three regional finalists are chosen to represent six regions across the UK. Independent judges visit the 18 regional finalists and choose six regional winners. The final decision is made following a panel interview, held in London, where the regional winners are interviewed by key industry figures, including representatives from the BII, the Publican Newspaper and Matthew Clark.

Siobhan Tubb MBII of the Old Library in Taunton, Somerset is the current holder with her husband Richard. She says: “Winning was without doubt one of the highlights of my life. It is fantastic to know that you are the best licensee in the country, and the resulting publicity has boosted trade to new heights.”

Siobhan continues: “Even just entering makes you think about what you do and where you want to go. I never expected to win, especially in the face of such tough competition, but it has been great recognition for all the hard work Richard and I, and our fantastic team of employees, have put in over recent years.”

Graham Donald, marketing director of Matthew Clark, says: “This is the highest award any publican can receive – it really is the licensed retailing equivalent of winning an Olympic Gold medal. We have had some fantastic winners in the past and I’m sure this year will see even more superb entries than before.”

The competition is open to managers, tenants, lessees and freeholders alike – whether they are members of the BII or not. Licensees can enter as individuals or couples. Anyone wishing to enter for BII Licensee of the Year, or wishing to nominate their local licensee, should contact Laura Janes at the BII on 01276 417805, or by e-mail at laura@bii.org for an entry form. The closing date is October 13, 2001. ends]


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Email george@bii.org
Contact Georgina Wald 01276 417838