Forum of British Pubs announces Member Trustee Board to drive support for pubs sector
Pubs lobby organisation the Forum of British Pubs has announced the formation of its new Member Trustee Board, drawing on extensive experience across the full sector.
Chairman of the Member Trustees, and co-founder of the Forum, Dave Mountford said, “ I am delighted to announce such a highly experienced and diverse group, who can add so much value to The Forum of British Pubs.”
The Forum of British Pubs was founded by publican Dave Mountford and CEO of the Forum of Private Business, Ian Cass, as a membership body dedicated to representing the interests of both tied and free of tied pubs in the UK.
The Member Trustee Board comprises present and former pub tenants and owners with a collective experience of over 100 years in the industry.
Dave Mountford built up a highly successful business at the Boat Inn at Cromford in the Peak District and has become known as a passionate campaigner for fairness, having been one of the key contributors to the construct of the Pubs Code.
He is joined on the Member Trustee Board by regular witness at Parliamentary Select Committees, Simon Clarke, a chartered surveyor, and publican who has successfully exercised his right to exercise a Market Rent Only Option allowing the business now to operate Free of Tie.
Charlie Piper-Hodgson is a key member of the NoPubNoRent campaign and is committed to levelling the playing field for tenant landlords.
Having suffered at the hands of unfair PubCo practices, Thais Robertson now divides her time between developing her private therapy and counselling business, and lobbying for better support for publicans.
Commenting on joining the Member Trustee Board, she said, “ ‘This Forum is not just about lobbying and making noise; it is designed to reach out to individual publicans and help them when they are at need. Being a Landlord/lady can be extremely isolating at times, and it’s crucial for our mental health to know there is a forum of like-minded, understanding, individuals with helpful advice.’
Having had successful & profitable pubs with Enterprise (now Ei/Stonegate), Fullers and Star (Heineken) Mark Edgell brings hands on experience in all pub practices; cellar, accounting, marketing, cooking, bar tending, stocktaking and training.
Completing the Board, brewing and pub industry veteran, and former leader of Salisbury City Council, Matthew Dean brings extensive knowledge of both the sales and operating side of the industry.
