Enterprise is backing wi-fi to get tuned in
ENTERPRISE Inns, one of the UK’s biggest pub companies, hopes increasing the number of wi-fi spots will help it bounce back from snow-hit profits.
The group is talking to internet suppliers to ensure landlords of its 6,000 pubs can install the remote connections at cheaper prices to help them cope with rising costs and attract more customers.
Enterprise is also in discussions with BT and BSkyB to reduce digital TV bills. Neil Smith, chief financial officer, said: “This is about reducing costs.”
He hopes the move will lead to an improved 2013. Rain in October and snow in January kept drinkers at home, leaving like-for-like profits down 4.4 per cent, or £5million, in the 17 weeks to January 26.
Smith said the administration of its wine and spirits distributor Waverley had also hit the group’s figures as landlords were forced to buy from supermarkets.
Rival operator Mitchells & Butlers, which owns the Harvester and All Bar One chains, said like-for-like sales growth in the 14 weeks to January 5 rose one per cent helped by strong food sales.