Benjamin Smith Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Operational leadership for 135 pubs delivering £9M EBITDA.

Challenged with creating a new managed concept which could be scaled at pace. Full ownership of the concept including design, operational style, recruitment, training, marketing, product development and acquisitions. Mobilised initial concept through to 12 sites. • De facto Managing Director for Managed Pub Division • Concept creation and mobilisation of new concept delivering 25% EBITDA for maturing sites• Sales focus generating £6M sales LY and on track to deliver £9.7M in current financial year • High growth business delivering ROI on £7M with another £5M of investment in F20• Sit on Divisional UK Exec Board with MD & FD and present to Main Board • Implementation of health & safety, retail standards, financial and operational systems • Creation of high performing teams delivering 30% LFL sales growth • Ability to influence and motivate individuals, teams and departmentsConcept Awards• 2020 Finalist for Best Community Pub Operator at Publican Awards • 2019 Finalist for Best Concept at Publican Awards • 2019 Highly Commended for Multi-Site Pub Operator of the Year at Casual Dining Awards• 2017 Finalist for Best Managed Pub at Pub & Bar Awards• 2016 Finalist for Best Concept at Great British Pub Awards

Full P&L responsibility for 36 tenanted & leased pubs. Driving growth via a SMART rolling 12-month retail plan following detailed financial, operational and trend led analysis. Additional responsibility as Head of Recruitment & Training for 200 pubs managing a team of three whilst coaching five Retail Development Managers. • Multi-site management of 36 tenanted & leased pubs • P&L accountability of £14M net sales and £1.9M profit p/a • Strategic planning and management of capex investment totalling £3M delivering 15% ROI• Adept negotiation skills gained via commercial management of circa £1M of rental income p/a• Motivate and coach experienced senior managers to meet and exceed KPI’s for 200 sites• Reduced vacancy time by 6 weeks and increased length of tenure by 14% • Analysis of retail unit performance in order to identify individual strategy for growth Personal Awards• 2015 Inspiring Leadership at Charles Wells Awards• 2013 British Institute of Innkeeping [BII] Multi Retail Management Award• 2012 Rising Star at Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Awards• 2011 Business Innovation at Charles Wells Awards

Given 100% autonomy to turn the manufacturer into a more focussed and profitable retailer.During my tenure I implemented a host of organisational changes in order to drive efficiency savings and increase sales. Key to my success was the consolidation of the product catalogue in order to focus on core market requirements, the reduction of manufacturing cost price and growth of market share via identification of new target sectors.

Assisted senior cross-functional team in the implementation and ultimate achievement of theMarketing & Development strategy, helped drive brand awareness, provided multi-site retail support, assisted in new product launches and played central role in development of retail initiatives.