ETM Group reports December like-for-likes up 10.8%: ETM Group, the 13-strong bar and restaurant company, has reported like-for-like sales increased 10.8% for the five weeks ending 31 December 2017, with overall sales up 34.4%. The company said the results were a “clear demonstration of ETM’s transformational year and the positive impact recent change has had on the business”. ETM co-founder Ed Martin said: “We are thrilled with our Christmas and New Year’s Eve results, which included a record week before Christmas where we exceeded £1m in sales. The 34.4% sales growth with carefully managed costs has resulted in a very healthy increase in profit for the period. I would also like to thank our dedicated team for their efforts to deliver this result. 2018 will see continued site roll-out and the development of a new sales division, helping to further drive the group’s performance. With an unmissable year of sport – Superbowl, Six Nations, World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup – Greenwood, Broadleaf and Long Arm are looking very promising for the year ahead.” The company said it has instigated its three-pillar brand strategy around “Great British dining, vibrant bars and craft pubs”, which has set in motion a platform for scalable expansion evidenced by Aviary (Finsbury Square) and Greenwood’s (Victoria) first year of successful trading and the encouraging start for Broadleaf, a new bar in the City.

CAMRA proposes to widen appeal beyond traditional pubs and real ale drinkers: The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is proposing to widen its appeal beyond traditional pubs and real ale, cider and perry drinkers. The association launched Revitalisation Project, a root-and-branch review of its purpose and objectives in early 2016. CAMRA’s 190,000 members will now vote on proposed changes to the articles of association at its annual general meeting in April. Proposed changes include CAMRA widening the range of drinks it represents to include those that don’t meet its definition of “real ale”, including offering a wider range at its festivals; engaging with drinkers of all types to encourage them to join CAMRA; providing information about all kinds of beer, not just real ale; and recognising a wider range of drinks and establishments in its local and national competitions. CAMRA said the broadening of representation would allow it to lobby for a much wider range of on-trade outlets and give it a wider appeal and “closer connection with modern-day beer drinkers and pub-goers”, which in turn would strengthen its campaigning voice. CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine said: “Our recommendations mark an important stage in CAMRA’s long history. We recognise the beer and pub landscape has changed and continues to evolve, and our place in that landscape has changed as well. We’re determined to make sure we continue to change and evolve so we are relevant to drinkers of all types and continue to offer a compelling reason for people to join our organisation.”