Weather and footie help W&D balance sheet

September 28, 2006: Good weather and the World Cup effect helped Wolverhampton & Dudley to a 3.7% increase in like-for-like sales in the 51 weeks to September 23.

The figures were revealed in a trading update ahead of the company's full year figures, due on December 1.

In the firm's 457 managed Pathfinder Pubs total like-for-like sales during June and July were up 6.7%, benefiting from good weather and the World Cup.

The Union Pub Company will comprise 1,898 tenanted pubs following the acquisition of Celtic Inns in March and on completion of the transfer of 93 premises from Pathfinder Pubs during the second half of the year. Average profit per pub is estimated to have increased by about 5% in the 51-week period.

The group is making good progress in preparing for the smoking ban, with 85 per cent of its estate having some form of outdoor smoking area. It does anticipate, though, that higher energy costs and a 6% increase in the minimum wage will have a significant effect next year.