Liberation Group is celebrating having won the Pub and Bar award at this year’s Cateys. Championing the finest operators in hospitality, the Cateys are judged by a panel of industry experts selected for their expertise and knowledge in the field. Jayson Perfect, COO and Alice Bowyer, Director of Food, Liberation Group received the prestigious accolade at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last week.
The Pub and Bar category is open to businesses that run, own or manage a pub or pub chain with a food element. The judges were looking for sound business planning, good grasp of financials, flair, innovation, a commitment to staff training, excellent customer service and involvement in the community.
Alice Bowyer, Director of Food, Liberation Group says: “We have long been an admirer of the Catey awards throughout our careers and are so proud to have been recognised in this category.
“It is brilliant recognition for the years spent building our business, and for our talented teams who work tirelessly to deliver great plates of food and true hospitality. We share this with them. We are over the moon!”
Jocelyn Neave, Cateys Judge, said: “Liberation Group is an incredibly impressive business with an innovative approach to people and recruitment, commitment to sustainability and a truly engaging communication strategy, both internally and externally.”
Cateys Judges were impressed with the scale and complexity of Liberation Group’s business which, despite its size, has a strong team throughout. Key highlights included:
• The creation of a rooms and revenue team, driving bedroom sales, events and occasions has boosted sales and occupancy levels
• Increased pub revenue, driven by experience-led events such as supper clubs, comedy festivals and afternoon teas
• Customer loyalty and engagement – Liberation Group’s database of opted-in email subscribers has dramatically increased along with its loyalty membership, visits to its website and social media following
• A strong focus on employee wellbeing with their partnership with The Burnt Chef Project, running a calendar of training support. Apprenticeships are geared towards sponsoring underrepresented groups and a flexible working style has been introduced to help team members juggle childcare and other responsibilities around their work. Liberation Group also works with ex-offenders and those experiencing homelessness through industry charities such as Only a Pavement Away.
• The group’s impressive sustainability efforts, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030 through initiatives such as installing solar panels and sourcing local produce
• Community and charity initiatives, raising thousands of pounds for good causes and the hosting of a ‘community week’ across all its pubs to support local charities, sports clubs and community projects.
Other Cateys Judges comments included: “Scale and complexity of the business is admirable. A clear winner with the journey they have been on.” Henry Fairbanks. “A fantastic business on every level.” Jillian MacLean.
Find out more about the Liberation Group at their website.
