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Charles Wells pub the Elephant and Castle, in Lyon
Charles Wells has confirmed that it will continue to invest in its French business following the British referendum vote to leave the EU.
The confirmation comes as it updates on its trading performance during the European Football Championships and the announces a new director of Charles Wells France, combining the managed pubs in the UK and France.
The company admitted that the UK’s decision to leave the EU caused a moment of uncertainty for the team based in France, but it was quick to re-assure them it was business as usual. Charles Wells France has already invested in two new pubs this year and commitment to the business is demonstrated by actively looking for more sites despite the Brexit vote.
Business as usual for the Charles Wells France pubs, however, has taken an exceptional direction during the Euro 2016 Championships. Ideally located for the tournament with pubs in the host cities of Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, Charles Wells France has been able to make the most of a great football festival.
Director, Craig Mayes, said: “In the first four weeks of the Euros we have achieved €1.1m net, which is 290% up on last year. The Welsh certainly kicked off their party in style in Bordeaux on June 9 and one of our pubs went from taking €25k per week to €30k per day. We’ve developed a great rapport with the Wales fans as they’ve moved around the country and are very excited to be hosting them again in Lyon this Wednesday.”
Craig was recently appointed the new director of Charles Wells France, in addition to his responsibilities for the UK based Apostrophe Pubs and the Pizza, Pots and Pints managed operations.
He added: “I’m delighted to be working with the French team and we now have 300 colleagues in our managed business across the UK and France. My focus is going to be on developing the training and career development opportunities for the teams whilst attracting the best new talent to join and help us achieve our growth aspirations on either side of the channel. We’ve got lots to get on with so it’s an exciting new chapter for me and the company.”
The company is currently recruiting for a head of UK operations based in the UK and a French-speaking promotion and communications manager, to be based France. Anyone who is interested should contact Craig via craig.mayes@charleswells.co.uk
