Posted: 22nd December 2021
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S MESSAGE 22ND DECEMBER 2021
Dear Friends of Shepherd Neame,
On behalf of all at Shepherd Neame, I would like to wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.
It has been a joy to see many of you in our pubs throughout the last few months, and we are grateful for the ongoing support we have received from so many loyal customers.
I am incredibly proud of our team members and licensees, who have worked hard since re-opening to reconnect with customers and re-establish pubs in their communities, and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their incredible agility, resilience, optimism and determination, in this crazy stop-start world!
Throughout the pandemic, we have focused on making our pubs a safe and welcoming environment, and on protecting our people and supporting our licensees. I would like to thank many of you for recognising the steps we have taken.
As we now face a new wave of this crisis, and further uncertainty for our licensees, we have announced further rent reductions from January 1, 2022, to support them while restrictions remain in force. We also welcome the Chancellor’s recent announcement of a short term support package to provide further grant funding to hospitality businesses.
Sadly this does not remove the uncertainty over Christmas for the trade, and, if further restrictions are to be introduced, additional support will be required to ensure that pubs and breweries remain at the heart of great British life for the long term.
Please try and support your local pub this festive season, if you are able; and we will try to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Whatever the next few weeks bring, let’s look forward to a brighter 2022!
With my thanks for your continued support and very best wishes,
Jonathan Neame
Shepherd Neame Chief Executive