Meet the Editor

Neil Robertson

Chief Executive, BII

Andrew Pring

Editor, BIIBUSINESS

Neil:

"How long have you been in journalism and how long in the licensed retail industry?"

Andrew:

"A long time in both – 27 years in journalism (20 as an editor) and nearly ten years as a journalist covering the pub trade. It beats banking, which is how I started working life. Oh, and I’ve worked in the trade for about a year in total, serving behind bars in my youth – very badly, I now recognize. Friends were invariably given very generous Light and Bitters. In defence, all I’d say is I was put straight into action with absolutely no training whatsoever – something that never happens with student staff these days. Right?"

Neil:

"What do you think makes a great pub?"

Andrew:

Friendly and welcoming staff, exacting retail standards applied in an informal but professional manner, excellently kept real ales, good wine selection, loos that don’t offend the ladies, wide cross-section of customers and a happy licensee who’s clearly enjoying his job. All are crucial to the essential ‘atmosphere’ that marks out a great pub.

Neil:

"And what about a great publican?"

Andrew:

"Eagle eye for detail, professional in every respect and proud of it, sensitive to customers’ needs and acutely aware they could easily be at home, keen to create a community in the pub and, equally keen to be part of the wider community outside, and almost certainly an enthusiastic member of the BII."

Neil:

"What's the most interesting story you've covered in the industry so far?"

Andrew:

"Two spring to mind – the rise and fall a few years ago of an unscrupulous pubco called Provence; and the rise (and no sign of a fall yet) of Fair Pint, the campaigning licensee group. My old title’s exposure of Provence’s dodgy dealings was a victory for journalists prepared to support licensees by doing their homework and taking on a powerful player (and in that case, a big-spending advertiser, to boot, which can often buy immunity. Well done, our then publisher Russell Dodd).

And the emergence of Fair Pint, which whatever your take on them, is simply the most important story of recent times. The group has been a catalyst that has opened up fierce debate and outside scrutiny in an unprecedented way, the consequences of which we’re still grappling with, and probably will for years to come."

Neil:

"What do you bring to BII as Editor of BIIBUSINESS?"

Andrew:

"Love of the pub trade, deep appreciation of the skill and dedication required to run a pub, knowledge of the industry and many years’ experience of putting quality magazines together."

Neil:

"How do you think BIIBUSINESS can help members?"

Andrew:

"By sharing a vast range of knowledge amongst ourselves and by inspiring licensees to keep raising their game - the end result, hopefully, being happy customers and prosperous pubs."

Neil:

"Tell us your vision for BIIBUSINESS"

Andrew:

"I want BIIBUSINESS to be totally relevant to all members, from the brilliant to the basic; I want it to be easy and quick to read, so even the most time-pressed members will pick it up and take in the gems of business advice; and I want it to be a magazine that members feel they own and can influence with their views and opinions. It’s not my magazine, it’s theirs."

Neil:

"What message would you like to give to members about the new look BIIBUSINESS?"

Andrew:

"It will look different. It will read different.  But I’m sure its clean, modern design will win instant approval. And the 50+ business ideas and tips it’s stuffed with will continue to help members develop and grow their businesses."

Neil:

"How can members get in touch with you if they have ideas for the magazine or want to comment on it?"

Andrew:

My phone number is 07711 844134;

my email is andrewpring100@btinternet.com

Please use either to let me know what you think about the new magazine. And what you would like to see in it. I’m keen to hear from anyone who’s got views. (And if there’s one thing I already know about BII members, they’ve got views. And quite right too – it’s one of the things licensees are famous for.)
The members’ forum on the BII website will also be a good way to give me your thoughts and opinions. And to make sure we’re on target, we’ll be doing some reader research early next year. So please do tell it straight.