Recruitment data shows market confidence up
Star Pubs has seen traffic on its licensee recruitment website increase by 63%.
First quarter recruitment data from one of the UK's largest pub companies has revealed confidence in the pub market has returned to pre-Covid levels for the first time since the pandemic.
Star Pubs has seen traffic on its licensee recruitment website increase by 63% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, helped by its latest advertising campaign. Applications have risen by 19%.
In particular, social media applications are on the rise, with Facebook followed by Instagram proving most popular with potential licensees and pub operators.
"Covid, inflation and recruitment challenges have constrained growth in pub applications," says Hance McPherson, head of licensee attraction for Star Pubs (pictured). "Despite four years of testing trading, turnover at most pubs has held up well, though profits have been dented by inflation. As inflationary pressures ease, we should see a return to less challenging trading conditions.
"Our latest recruitment figures reflect this positive outlook. They show a shift in mood and a return to something like pre-pandemic levels of confidence, helped by easing inflation and energy costs."
The pubco says interest in taking on a Star Pubs Just Add Talent managed operator pub is particularly high, up 49% year-on-year, with a greater number of applicants coming from the wider hospitality industry.
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