Brains' turnover passes £100m mark

March 6, 2005: Turnover at Brains' brewery, in South Wales, has risen for the fifth year in a row, passing the magic £100m mark for the first time.

Results for the year ending September 30, 2004, show turnover up 13 per cent to £108.1m, from £96m the previous year. Pre-tax profits rose t £8.2m from £7.3m in 2003.

Chief executive Scott Waddington said: "We have achieved a number of very visible and tangible developments within the business this year, particularly through our pub estate and marketing activities. And the highlight of the year - our sponsorship of the WRU -is already starting to show results.

"Supported by some creative advertising and marketing, it’s helping us to build Brains beers into ‘must-have’ brands throughout Wales. Also by creating the big match atmosphere throughout our estate we’ve given the pubs some of their biggest international day trade ever.

“Looking forward, there are a number of challenges on the horizon for the hospitality industry. We support new licensing legislation and believe that greater flexibility will be a positive move for the industry. And while we have entered the debate over smoking in public places in a positive way, offering as great a choice as possible to reflect our customers’ wishes, we are deeply concerned over the prospect of a unilateral ban in Wales and the threat that poses for smaller pubs and clubs and the jobs and livelihoods that they support."