Robinsons Brewery, one of the leading independent brewers and pub operators in the North West with over 300 pubs, has reported annual results confirming its highest beer production in 15 years for the year to 31 December 2014, chiefly driven by Trooper and Dizzy Blonde which have continued to deliver double digit growth. Add to this a multi-million investment programme which will see almost two thirds of their pub estate refurbished and the development of their new managed house business over the next 5 years, and it is clear that the Cheshire family brewers are planning for the future.

Against a backdrop of landmark developments – including the rebuild of their brew house, a new Visitor Centre, record investment in the pub estate, and the company wide corporate rebrand announced at the start of 2015  – Robinsons are continuing their long-term tradition of ploughing their profits back into the business.

In provision of such significant and increased investment into all areas of the business, Robinsons’ annual operating profit for 2014 has reduced slightly from £1.3m to £1.0m; despite an increase in sales.

William Robinson, Managing Director (Pub Division), commented:

“We remain committed to the development and enhancement of our core tenanted pub estate with amplified investment going into repairs as well as refurbishments, alongside the development of our new managed house business; taking four previously-tenanted pubs back under direct management plus the Visitor Centre which won a Gold Accolade in 2015 from Visit England.  These are all part of our long term business strategy to remain a vertically integrated brewer and pub operator.”

“The strategic plan required a significant additional investment in our pub estate to improve the long-term fortunes of our company.  Therefore we plan to accelerate this spend over the coming years and invest over £23m in 179 schemes over the next 5 years and a similar amount in the maintenance of our pubs across the estate.  So we can expect suppressed profit until at least the end of this period.”

“With an established reputation, a first class collection of beers and pubs, an ability to innovate and respond to consumer demands, and equipment that provides unbeatable flexibility to deliver what the market requires… we are committed and prepared for many more generations of family brewing and pub ownership and these recent investments should be seen as a sign of that.”

Pictured above is the 6th generation of the Robinson family.