Brakspear has been named the best pub operator in an annual survey of pub tenants and lessees in the UK. In The Licensee Index by industry research specialists KAM, Brakspear placed 1st in 30 of its measures, securing the No.1 spot among the 15 pub operators taking part in the survey.
The results are based on research among licensees – referred to as business owners by Brakspear – running pubs with both large national pub operators and smaller, family-owned operators such as Brakspear. In telephone interviews, KAM researchers ask licensees to rate their pub operator on a raft of measures including: company culture; understanding their business and offering valuable advice; helping to reduce operating costs; support from business development managers (BDMs); marketing support, training courses and the recruitment process.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “The Licensee Index is recognised as the most thorough survey in the tenanted and leased sector, with their researchers leaving no stone unturned in their pub interviews.
We are delighted to have taken the top spot: it’s a great endorsement of our ethos of treating all our business owners as individuals, and offering tailored support to help them run thriving pubs.
“My thanks to all our BDMs and head office team members who work hard to understand each of our pubs and support our business owners. We were particularly pleased to score highly on the value added by our BDMs, our marketing, and on helping our business owners to make the cost savings that are so important in running a successful pub today.”
Brakspear business owners’ testimonials
‘Smooth and supportive’ recruitment process
Mike & Grace Jones took on The Three Horseshoes in Henley-on-Thames last October, filling the big boots left by outgoing business owners Nigel & Julie Rainbow, who had run the pub for 25 years. Mike says: “We knew we wanted the Three Horseshoes as soon as we saw it, we loved its traditional, community feel and could see exciting opportunities to grow the food trade. Our Brakspear BDM offered tons of support to get our business plan over the line, and the whole recruitment process was smooth for us. We took the keys six weeks after first viewing and opened 10 days later after a small refurb.
We couldn’t have asked for any more from Brakspear, and they’ve continued to offer the support we need as we develop the business.”
Culture of charity support
Brakspear purchased The Royal Exchange in Lindford, Hampshire, in early 2024 and three of the pub’s managers became the business owners shortly afterwards. They were keen to raise the pub’s profile locally, and formed a close bond with Woolmer Forest Lions, raising money for them through events in the pub. The group gave The Royal Exchange their annual award in 2024, describing them as a ‘beacon of the local community.’ Business owner Chloe King said: “Brakspear have been really supportive of our charity initiatives.
Their ‘Brakspear’s Giving Back’ scheme means that they will top up whatever we raise by an additional 25% – which has meant an extra £400 going to the Lions. That’s valued by them and definitely contributed to us winning their award.
