Marston’s chief executive sees remuneration increase to more than £1m: Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay has seen his remuneration increase to more than £1m this year, the company’s annual report has revealed. For the period ending 1 October 2016, Findlay received a total of £1,025,153, compared with £876,788 the previous year. This consisted of £531,000 in salary, £17,194 in benefits, £212,400 bonus, £131,809 in long-term incentive payments and £132,750 in pension. Chief financial and corporate development officer Andrew Andrea saw his remuneration increase to £626,383, compared with £534,438 the previous year. This was made up of salary of £331,000, £14,494 in benefits, £132,400 in bonus, long-term incentive payments of £82,251 and pension of £66,238. Managing director of Marston’s Inns and Taverns Peter Dalzell received remuneration of £575,664 compared with £476,838 the year before. This consisted of £305,000 in salary, £14,494 in benefits, £122,000 bonus, £73,170 in long-term incentive payments and £61,000 pension. The report showed Findlay and Dalzell have received a circa 2% salary increase for 2016/17 – Findlay’s now standing at £542,000 and Dalzell £311,000. This is in line with the average salary increases across the group. Meanwhile, Andrea has seen his salary jump 9.7% to £363,000 to “reflect his additional responsibilities” as chief financial and corporate development officer contributing to group strategy, overseeing corporate projects and delivering a new pub retail system. Remuneration committee chairman Neil Goulden, who will step down at the annual meeting and be replaced by Catherine Glickman, said in the report: “While the group did not hit the internal target it set itself for group profit, it did achieve both a 7.1% increase in underlying group profit versus 2015 (which is above the bonus threshold) and its return on capital target. Based on this achievement, the bonus awarded was 40% of salary, which will apply to both employees’ and directors’ bonuses. In reviewing the salaries paid to executive directors, the general economic climate and average increases across the group, the committee approved an increase in base salaries of 2%. In recognition of the expansion of Andrew Andrea’s role to contribute to group strategy, oversee new corporate projects and implement a new pub retail system, the committee approved an additional increase resulting in a total increase of 9.7%. It has been a privilege to have served on the board of Marston’s for the past eight years and I will hand over the chairmanship of the remuneration committee to Catherine Glickman at the end of the 2017 annual meeting, confident she will continue to take a responsible approach to executive remuneration that supports the achievement of our strategic objectives and the creation of shareholder value.” Marston’s annual meeting will be held on 24 January.

Leon appoints new director of food: Natural fast food brand Leon has appointed Nellie Nichols as director of food, signalling the company’s commitment to “open in new international markets”. Nichols, who first worked for Leon in 2012, will rejoin in early 2017 and manage the food team as it develops new seasonal menus. Nichols has been head of food – twice – at Pret A Manger, helping to launch the brand in the 1980s and returning to help its expansion into New York, Hong Kong and Japan. Lately, she has been running her own food development agency, working with clients such as Marks & Spencer. She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and won a British Sandwich Industry lifetime achievement award in 2009. Leon co-founder and chief executive John Vincent said: “Nellie and I worked on a significant development of the menu for two years from 2012 and it was a privilege – and always a lot of fun. She’s back and I’m strapping myself in.” Nichols added: “I am in love with Leon and always have been, so I’m delighted to be going back to be part of its dynamic growth in 2017 and beyond.” Vincent founded Leon with Henry Dimbleby in 2004. Meanwhile, Vincent has co-authored a “free-from” cookbook that will be published on Thursday, 12 January. The book, entitled Fast & Free, has been co-written with Jane Baxter, with every recipe gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free.

London mayor appoints Philip Kolvin QC as chairman of revamped Night Time Commission: London mayor Sadiq Khan has appointed top licensing lawyer Philip Kolvin QC as chairman of the Night Time Commission. Kolvin will preside over a revamped commission, bringing together stakeholders from across the night-time economy, including local authorities, the Metropolitan Police, club and venue owners, and residents. Kolvin is head of Cornerstone Barristers and former chairman of the Institute of Licensing. He is also on the advisory board of the Night Time Industries Association and recently acted on behalf of Fabric, playing a pivotal role in securing an agreement between the nightclub and Islington Council to regain its licence and reopen. Kolvin is widely regarded as the UK’s top licensing expert, is editor of several books, and recently published a Manifesto for the Night Time Economy.‎ Starting on Monday, 9 January, he will work alongside newly appointed Night Czar Amy Lamé to develop and implement a vision of London as a 24-hour city. Kolvin said: “At the heart of every great city is a great night-time economy. London’s night life is internationally renowned and forms a key reason for people wanting to live, work and invest here. As the capital grows, we must plan for a growing night-time economy for the whole of Greater London – something that can only be achieved through proper partnerships with stakeholders, strategic planning, and investment in infrastructure. It’s vital we ensure everyone benefits from a thriving night-time economy – from those who want a great night out to those who want a good night’s sleep.” Khan added: “Philip’s expert knowledge in the field of licensing, regulation and policy will be crucial in ensuring live music venues and nightclubs are protected from closure and recognised as a distinctive part of our cultural heritage.”

Enterprise Inns invests £2.2m in Lancashire pubs: Enterprise Inns has invested £2.2m in its Lancashire pubs during the past year as part of its publican partnership segment. Pubs receiving significant investment included the Waggon & Horses in Hawkshaw, near Bolton, a second venture with publican Andy Hitchen, which received £90,000 investment, and the Bull & Dog in St Helens, which received £83,000 to fund a major refurbishment. Enterprise also contributed £50,000 as part of a joint £80,000 investment with experienced publican Tim Tomlinson to transform canal-side pub and restaurant the White Cross in Lancaster. A major refurbishment has created a modern interior with custom-made feature lighting, while signage and toilets have also been upgraded. Enterprise Inns divisional director Steve Skupski said: “With Enterprise’s unique segmentation tool, we’re confident this money has been spent developing the right offer for the right pub. Our publicans have embraced this tool and the insight it can provide, and see the value of working in partnership to help give their pubs a lift by positioning it in the right segment to attract new customers and spend.”

Bel-Air, Black Sheep and Nusa secure leisure units at law firm’s new UK headquarters: Healthy fast food brand Bel-Air, Black Sheep Coffee and Nusa Kitchen, which specialises in south east Asian cuisine, are the first operators to lease leisure units at the new UK headquarters of law firm Bird & Bird. The units are all on the ground floor of the building in New Fetter Lane in the City of London, with the 14 floors of newly developed office space above occupied by Bird & Bird. Following the success of its first restaurant in Shoreditch, Bel-Air has taken a 1,032 square foot unit at a rent of £110,000 per annum. Black Sheep Coffee will occupy a 685 square foot unit, its sixth in London, at an annual rent of £93,000. Nusa Kitchen will open its fourth site in the capital in a 594 square foot unit at a rent of £80,000 per annum. All three operators have agreed new ten-year leases. Oliver Green, director in the central London retail team of agent Savills, which represented Bird & Bird, said: “The lettings demonstrate the continued resilience of the City retail and leisure market, where demand is as strong as ever.” Black Sheep Coffee was represented by Knight Frank, Nusa Kitchen was represented by Locate Retail, while Bel-Air was unrepresented.