Robinsons Brewery, one of the leading independent brewers and pub operators in the North West, has announced plans to continue their investment programme across their tenanted and managed pub estates; as part of their commitment to long term success in pub retailing and profitable growth.
Managing Directors William and Oliver Robinson
Against a backdrop of landmark developments, the company has reported a 6.3% increase in turnover to £63.3m for the year ending 31stDecember 2015, and a 19.5% increase in operating profit to £1.1m.
This growth was delivered during a period in which Robinsons Brewery invested over £6.5m, completing more than 20 tenanted and 3 managed retail re-developments. Robinsons’ investments have seen robust returns, not only for the brewery but for their licensees as well; with the transformation of The Airport at Manchester Airport picking up ‘Best Pub Design’ at the 2015 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. In addition to continuing their long-term tradition of ploughing their profits back into the business, Robinsons Brewery also expanded their portfolio with the acquisition of The Three Mariners; the oldest pub in Lancaster.
The investment in pubs and external sales have been linked to an increase of 13.7% in brewing across Robinsons’ beer range. Robinsons have also enjoyed continuing demand for their contract brewing and packaging services.
Oliver Robinson, Managing Director (Beer Division), commented: “Many people think of Robinsons as a traditional family brewer and in many ways we are – especially where our values are concerned. But we’re also highly innovative. We’re testing new ingredients and methods of brewing with our White Label Range and the introduction of Wizard. We’re showcasing the capabilities of our brew house with the development of our increasingly adventurous set of seasonal ales. We’re adapting for the market with beers such as Dizzy Blonde being tweaked to fit the fuller flavour and higher ABV profiles that customers are demanding. And we’re pushing boundaries with new brand extensions and innovative marketing concepts with TROOPER; which hit the 10-million-pint mark in 2015. There’s not very many family brewers out there that have as many beers in production at one time as we do and we’re in a great position to compete in the growing craft market whether that be in cask, keg or bottle.”
2015 also marked a return to managed houses for Robinsons Brewery; who successfully launched their managed retail operation, focusing on quality of the service and creating relaxed environments in which families can enjoy their food and drinks offering.
William Robinson, Managing Director (Pub Division), commented: “Our long-term strategy is to continue to make considerable investments across our pub estate, to ensure we maintain the high standards we are setting. We will also continue to deliver an exceptional licensee support package, be that through projects such as the Greener Retailing research project we carried out in association with The Centre for Enterprise at MMU, the group purchasing arrangements we have created over the past 10 years, the innovative digital platform we have delivered for the business and each of our pubs, or more recently through the apprenticeship and training programs we have developed to support our licensees. These are all intended to support sustainable growth for the future prosperity of the company.”