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www.iltsa.co.ukStockAuditorTHE MAGAZINE FOR THE INSTITUTE OF LICENSED TRADE STOCK AUDITORS ISSUE 85 October 2009
ISSN 1471 - 0471
Next Training Course :- October 2009 - Ribble Valley
BEC report on PubCompanies
What will be the outcome of thisreport for your clients ?
Page 6 & 7
New generation ofBritain’s brewers
Trevor Knight concludes histravels around the country. This
issue he visits the North EastPage 8 & 9
Automobile Association Included with the ‘Stock Auditor’ are renewal formsfor the AA scheme .......
Full details on back page
He’sDone ItAgain !Alistair Darling, alreadythe man most licenseeslove to hate, is turninghis back on calls for himto do the right thing andreduce duty on wines,beer and spirits toNovember 2008 levels.After ignoring pleas fromthe trade prior to the lasttwo budgets he is nowincreasing VAT on 1stJanuary - a ‘doublewhammy !’
..........Full story page 5
EquipmentEquipmentBrochureBrochure
Included with this issue of the‘Stock Auditor’ is an updated
catalogue of stocktakingequipment.
Please support companies thathave supported the Institute.
What do you think ?Richard Grafton outlines plans
for ‘continuing development’.Page 3
STOCKAUDITOR2
This magazine is published by the Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors. Whilst welcoming any contributions, the editorreserves the right to alter or amend them if necessary.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Council and are accepted only on that understanding. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission of the publishers.
Printed by :- Pickles Printers, Halifax, West Yorkshire 01422 353239All Subsciptions payable in advance. Published 6 times per year post free Annual Subscription £24.00
© Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors 2009
FromTheEditorChris Swift F.I.L.S.A.
Tel:- 01422 [email protected]
Many thanks to the members andothers who have made this issuepossible:- Gordon Andrews, George Giles, RichardGrafton, Greyeye Technology, Le Chef,Mike Murdoch, Trevor Knight, TrevorPerrott and Brett Websdale.Thanks also to Peter Hodgson, RitaBroadbent and Amy Swift for proof readingthis issue.
Deadline for the Christmas issue is16th November 2009.
ContributorsTakingStock
Copies of the2nd editionof ‘TakingStock’ are
now availablefrom the Secretary at a cost
of :-Members
£ 16.00 ( Plus £1.30 p.& p. )Non-Members
£ 19.95 ( Plus £1.30 p.& p. )
Steve BerryF.I.L.S.A.� 01968 670600
President� [email protected]
Trevor PerrottF.I.L.S.A.� 01483 829437
Chairman� [email protected]
Ron FosterF.I.L.S.A.� 01793 704186
Treasurer� [email protected]
Brett WebsdaleM.I.L.S.A.� 07850 118201
Automobile Assoc.
Mike MurdochF.I.L.S.A.� 01254 247496
Chair, Exam & Training
Chris SwiftF.I.L.S.A.� 07768 962354
Marketing, Mag Editor
Richard GraftonF.I.L.S.A.� 01305 813225
Five Year Plan� [email protected]
Whilst reviewing this magazine I was struck by the amount of articlesthat involve the Government in some way – the BEC enquiry, changes inVAT, increase to the National Minimum Wage, Money LaunderingRegulations to name but a few. Prior to the implemention of the ‘smokingban’ I actually passed comment that it would be alcohol that was thenext target – how many articles have run in the press recently about theperils of binge drinking, health risks, alcohol abuse etc. but no mentionof the good points of the trade – how much money has been raised forcharity, the pub that is the hub of the community, the many jobs createdin the industry. Next month I want some positive stories for the ‘StockAuditor’.
In a recent telephone conversation with Tony Payne, Chief Executive ofthe FLVA, he recounted an article that he had just read in the IrishLicensed Trade Press – “ Twenty percent of Irish landlords admitted thatthey knew that a member of staff was stealing from them in some way –the other eighty percent were either liars or were just not aware”.There is more than a grain of truth in that comment and licensees whoseek to extend stocktaking periods are risking their businesses.
In the same conversation, Tony wanted me to point out that he had justreturned from London after a meeting at the Treasury – they had finallyagreed that the VAT rate would increase to 17.5% at the end of tradingon New Years Eve or 6.00 am – whichever is the earlier. This is a majormove in that originally some bureaucrat had decreed that the ratewould change at midnight. Sadly, Tony could not make them see senseabout the duty decrease that he has asked for ( see page 5 ). Withretirement looming he is still fighting for his FLVA members at everyopportunity.
Enjoy the read and thank you to everyone that has contributed in anyway to the magazine.
This magazine seems to come roundquicker than ever. For those whomanaged to get a break last BankHoliday ( the last before Christmas ), Ihope that the weather was not toobad for you. The only good weatherwe had was on Monday afternoonwhich is just about normal for a BankHoliday weekend.
I am sorry to say that Anton Ellender,who came onto council fairlyrecently, has had to step down dueto the pressure of his own work. I,for one, am sorry to see him standdown but one thing I will always sayis that your own business comes first.Those on council work hard to balance their own workload with commitmentsto the Institute. Brett Websdale has kindly offered to administer the AA.George Giles, as you probably all know, ran the AA scheme for many years,and has offered to help Brett in the beginning. The usual application form isconcluded today, as the renewal date is 1st December. Please note that it is adifferent address for you to send your cheques and forms.
The next council meeting is in November around the time of the next magazine.If any member has a point or subject that they feel should be brought to theattention of council, please send me your points or comments. I will then trymy best to get your points aired at the meeting. You will find my Email addressat the top of this page.
On another subject all together, I hear that some pubs are giving a free pint toBritish troops returning from the Middle East or Afghanistan. The idea of givinga drink to the troops is just a small thank you from the publican and locals. I
believe that this is starting to show the good oldBritish Spirit. I read the other day that some seniorRAF officers are launching an appeal fordonations so our British troops returning from anAfghan tour can enjoy a cold beer on their flighthome. The idea is to provide a can of lager orbitter for the servicemen and women flyingback to the UK at the end of their tour.Brilliant!
Now I hear that the BMA are askingfor all advertising of alcoholto be banned – as if that
would stop youngsters fromdrinking themselves silly on a
Friday or Saturday night. To set upa whole government departmentto monitor this soundsunbelievable. The next thing willbe the government saying thatthey are losing the revenue fromthe duty created from brewing and
distilleries, let alone the loss onVAT. What ever next?
ViewFromTheChair
Taking Stock BooksGoods Received BooksBar Requisition Books
Allowance BooksFlexible Dipsticks
Sectional DipsticksInstitute Ties
Membership ListsSelf - inking stamps
Lapel badgesBlademaster
Document cases
OFFICE DETAILS
Tel :- 01422 [email protected]
Brockwell HeightsBrockwell Lane
TriangleSowerby Bridge
HX6 3PQ
Trevor Perrott F.I.L.S.A.Tel:- 01483 829.437
ILTSA CALENDAR 2009
AVAILABLE FROM THESECRETARY
F E L L O W S H I P
STOCKAUDITOR 3
Any member, with the requiredseven years full membership, canapply for fellowship. Pleasecontact the Secretary for details.Any applications will then beplaced on the agenda for theNovember Council Meeting.
October 21st Refresher Day
“ 22nd Examination
“ 23rd Training Course
November 20th Council meeting
Trevor
STOCKAUDITOR4
ContinuingDevelopment Richard Grafton F.I.L.S.A.
My first task on joining the Councilhas been to take on the five yearplan, a job made considerablyeasier by the fact that LindaArthur has already done most ofthe hard work for me. As we havenow got nearly half way throughthis period and achieved most ofher initial objectives, it is time toconsider how we deal with therest of our future.
First of all, I have realised that weneed to move away from a finitetarget, which would suggest thatwe can relax and put our feet up,to a more linear approach – hence‘Continuing Development’. I wouldpropose we deal with this as twostrands;
ContinuingDevelopment – ILTSA
The Institute as a body has shownthat we can deal with futureplanning in a sensible and awarefashion. For some time Chris andTrevor have been warning of ourown demographic time bomb andnow this has come to pass we arein a financially healthy state todeal with the retirement of anumber of members.
Training has also been the subjectof a major shake up to make usmore viable for the future. MikeMurdoch is still looking at reformswhich keep us up to date with
changes in legislation andthe trade as a whole.
Marketing the Institute hasalways been the mostdifficult problem to grapplewith. This can consume vastresources with no apparentreturn. In the past we havetried to market a nationalbody with scant money andjust a lot of hard work andknocking on doors. I don’t
think this is fair on those with thisresponsibility.
ContinuingDevelopment –Membership
This is the area which hasprovoked the most discussion withmembers, and which should bethe object of most of our thoughtsand suggestions in the near future.At the moment passing the Examis the only thing we ask people todo before a lifetime of work. Formembers, such as myself, whoachieved this qualification over 20
years ago, there is nocompunction for any assessmentof my ability to continue topractice.
Should we be considering somesort of formal process wherebymembers are required to affirmtheir competence in a formal wayat regular intervals? How oftenand how? Should this be a costpaid for out of subscription or onan individual basis?
I have also had conversationsregarding members’ informationavailablity to others and thegeneral public. On severaloccasions people have used the
Which WayWhich WayForward?Forward?
....we need to move away from afinite target - hence ContinuingDevelopment.
ContinuingDevelopment
STOCKAUDITOR 5
website to access other membersto undertake work on their behalfand been disappointed with thelevel of service and reporting. Iwould like to expand theinformation available on ourpublications to let people knowwhether members can provide abasic standard of services. Thiscould take the form of a range ofsymbols to show whether a stockauditor uses a computer,undertakes food stocks, isprepared to carry out valuationwork and other services.
Your Input.Rather than an exhaustivequestionnaire which will probablyend up using up even more of theearth’s scant resources, I wouldprefer it if you would addressthose issues on which you havean opinion. I would like yourcomments on the following:
� When we market theILTSA, should we target peoplewho use a stocktaker to ensurethey only employ a qualified stockauditor, or should we encouragethose who have never had astocktake to make a start?
� Should we have a formalassessment process and howcould it be structured?
I would hope to bring comments tothe next Council meeting inNovember so e-mails please to
� [email protected] await your comments with
interest!
Move Over Move Over Darling !Darling !In November 2008 thegovernment brought downVAT from 17.5% to 15% to helprevitalise the economy. Whilstmost sectors of industryenjoyed a slight advantage thelicensed trade was hit byincreases in duty on beer,wine and spirits to‘compensate’ for thereduction. This had the effectof negating the 2.5 %decrease at the tills. I wellremember trying to explain to an irate old gentleman at one of my clientswhy the price of his pint had not come down.
At the moment I hope I do not meet the same guy when VAT is increasedon the 1st January 2010 when his pint could well increase by six or sevenpence just to maintain margins. What should happen of course is that asthe VAT is increased, the duty should be reduced in line with theNovember 2008 rates.
Tony Payne of the FLVA was quick to spot this possible added tax burdenand has spearheaded a campaign to ask Mr. Darling to reduce alcoholduty by 8% on beer and 4% on spirits. Not to do so would mean thatalcohol taxes have further increased at a time when government taxrevenues are plummeting.“ I am asking every licensee to ask for a meeting with their MP “ he said.He has already written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf ofthe FLVA and its members and has asked other trade organisations andthe trade press for support in this campaign.
This campaign has gained the backing of widely divergent sectors of thetrade from Pub companies to Justice for Licensees (JFL ). Inez Ward ofJFL is seeking assurances that any reductions in duty obtained will in factbe passed on to the licensee and ultimately their customers.She states “ I will be writing to the brewers and pubco executives thatthey must undertake for any decrease ( in duty ) to be passed on.It’s not to go into their pockets. I’m doing this for the licensees and forthe consumers”.
By making our clients aware of this, asking them to contact their localMPs, it may be that we can avoid a double dose of excise duty for thetrade and avoid the New Year blues !
Tony Payne CBEChief Executive F.L.V.A.
BECReport
STOCKAUDITOR6
BEC Report onBEC Report onPub CompaniesPub CompaniesConclusions & Recommendationsof the BEC Report 2009
Below are the 35 conclusions of theBusiness & Enterprise Committeeparaphrased.
1) The inbalance of bargainingpower and information betweenpubcos and lessees has produced asystem which is biased againstlessees.
2) It is clear that figures for pubclosures do not adequately covercases where individual lessees goout of business without the pubcoactually closing – so called CHURN.
3) Lessees must appreciate who achartered surveyor involved in rentnegotiations is actually working for,Membership of a Chartered Institutecan no longer be considered anautomatic guarantee of integrity andcertainly not of impartiality.
4) The 2004 Trade & IndustryCommittee’s recommendation that‘pubcos should provide their tenantswith a comprehensive breakdown ofhow their rent was calculated’ hadnot been implemented. This wasevidenced by the survey resultsshowing that 44% of lessees had notbeen shown such a breakdown. Thiswas unacceptable.
5) Without transparency, rentalcalculations are open to manipulationby the pubcos, in particular bysystematically underestimating thecosts of a lessee. The Committeerecommends that industry guidelineson the average costs of running a pubbe adopted.
6) Whilst the committee accepts thatthe pubcos in many cases do nothave access to the lessees’ books, inmany cases they have access to a
substantial amount of information.This information should be required tobe disclosed to any new lessee.
7) A system must be put in placethat allows lessees to assesswhether their rent is fair and in linewith similar businesses. Again, the2004 enquiry recommended thecreation of a national register. It wasnoted that neither the pubcos norRICS had taken any serious action tomake sure that the rental system isnot unfairly biased against the lessee.
8) The rental valuation method forpubs appears to be historical andtraditional. If it is to be fair theremust be greater transparency abouthow rents are calculated. If thiscannot be done as a matter ofurgency, there are compellingarguments for abandoning themethod entirely
9) It is difficult to measure the extentto which trade has increasedbecause of improvements to thepremises funded by the lessee. Thecommittee think it unfair that suchchanges are then subject to rentincreases so again, transparency inrent negotiations will alleviate thisproblem.
10) Witnesses are divided over themerits of annual RPI rentaladjustments. Where upward onlyrent reviews have been replaced withRPI agreements it should be done insuch a way that allows reductionswhen appropriate.
11) The effect of the beer tie onbasic rent is that both pubco andlessee take a lower income.However, whilst the decrease in thelessee’s income is absolute the pubcobenefits from extra barrelage.
12) If the interests of the pubcosoperating a tied system and theirlessees were truly aligned one wouldexpect that the pubcos would want asystem in which the rental costs andbeer costs enable their lessees to sellbeer at a price competitive with otherpubs. This did not appear to be thecase.
13) The committee thought it isseriously misleading for any pubco topromote to potential lessees that theywould benefit from the ‘purchasingpower’ of the pubco.
14) It is entirely legitimate for anyparty of a contract to seek to ensurethat the other party to a contractrespects its terms. However when ameasurement device is used to policethis, it should be properly calibratedand subject to external verification. Ifnecessary the Weights & MeasureAct 1985 should be amended toensure this.
15) In 2004, the TEC Committeeconcluded that “ In our opinion,pubcos do not add sufficient extravalue from their deals to justify theirclaims to 50 percent of the takingsfrom AWP machines” andrecommended the AWP machine tiebe removed. That conclusionremains valid.
BECReport
STOCKAUDITOR 7
16) Pubcos have a right to requirethat each of their pubs is fully andproperly insured. However sincelessees are frequently not allowedsight of this policy it is difficult to seehow they can obtain alternate cover.
17) Whilst the committee concludethat pubcos may offer a lower costroute into the industry the uncertaintyof the value of the lease detersinvestment. Purchasers of a freeholdobtain a tangible asset with greatercommercial freedom.
18) The attraction of low cost entryshould not be overstated. Manypeople choose a particular pubbecause of location or style,irrespective of business model.
19) The TEC Committee found that“ the performance of businessdevelopment managers (BDMs)varied across the industry fromexcellent to dire.” That conclusionremains valid. The evidence that theCommittee received suggests thatthere are still too many BDMs whooffer lessees little or no support, andsome who bully or intimidate them.
20) It is surprising that the linkbetween financial assistance and theextension of the tie was not madeclear in oral evidence. This does notconfer the benefits implied by thepubco.
21) There appears to be manylessees who appear to be eligible foraid but who do not receive it. Pubcosneed to make their policies on theadministration of financial help clearand also let lessees know on whatgrounds they have been turned down.
22) The TEC committee found that,on the evidence presented to them,the immediately quantifiable cost ofthe tie was usually balanced by thebenefits available to tenants. Fromthe evidence presented to the BECthey were not convinced pointing tothe 63% of lessees that did not thinkthat their pubco added any value.
23) Increasing a pub’s turnover willbenefit the pubco as it increases itssale of tied products. Surprisinglyover 50% of the lessees whose pubs
had a turnover in excess of £500,000had an income of less than £15,000.The pubcos may share the risks withtheir lessees but do not share thebenefits equitably.
24) The dispute over the tie could beended easily. Every lessee could beoffered the choice of being free orbeing tied. To make the choice fairthe rent process should first beimproved.
25) Although a voluntary agreement( to abolish the tie ) is preferable thecommittee doubts that the pubcoswould respond. The status quo is notan option and the Department shouldconsider how best to achieve thisend.
26) The small number of casespursued to independent arbitrationshould not be taken as a sign that allis well. It could simply demonstratethat many lessees did not considerthe dispute resolution systemappropriate.
27) The committee agreed that someform of low-cost independentprocedure is needed urgently. TheBII’s proposed dispute resolutionsystem is a welcome step. TheCommittee noted that this was aproposal in 2004 and is astoundedthat nothing has yet been done.
28) The BBPA’s framework Code ofPractice and the recommendations ofthe Trade and Industry Committeehave not resolved the problems ofinequality in bargaining power andinadequate means to resolve disputesidentified in 2004. The Committeebelieves that more is now needed.
29) The inquiry attracted evidencefrom dissatisfied lessees. Thecommittee was careful to be as openas possible and indeed commissionedits own survey to clarify some points.Whilst not saying that any pubcoabuses all lessees all the time thereis clearly potential for abuse and insome instances abuse occurs. Whilstthe lessee may take the risk the lion’sshare of the profit goes to the pubco.
30) Consumers are protected fromunequal bargaining power by the
unfair contract terms legislation. Thelaw assumes that both parties to abusiness contract have equalresources and expertise. This wouldbe difficult to see with therelationship between the pubco andthe lessee. The committeerecommends that the Department forBusiness & Enterprise urgentlyexplore ways of ensuring that thereare safeguards to prevent inequalitiesof bargaining power in businesscontracts being abused.
31) The Committee believe it is forthe market to decide whether a pub isunviable and not for a pubco torestrict a building’s use. It thereforerecommends that the Governmentmakes the use of restrictivecovenants to prevent the continueduse of premises as a pub illegal.
32) The Committee believes that thesupply ties operated by the pubcosmay well be anti-competitive. Theyare disappointed that the Office ofFair Trading (OFT) has in the pastrefused to acknowledge suchproblems. They therefore are to askthe Competition Commission for amarket investigation.
33) The Committee’s view is that thetying of beer, other drinks andancillary products should be severelylimited to ensure that competition inthe retail market is restored. TheBeer Orders led to the emergence ofpubcos merely replacing the brewers.The position therefore needs to becarefully investigated to avoid similarmistakes.
34) To conclude, the report containsrecommendations which will affectthe way in which businesses cantreat one another. This could be leftto the market as long term the pubcosthat are fair with their lessees willsurvive.
35) The Industry’s problems can besolved by a framework ensuringfairness and transparency in dealingsbetween landlord and lessee. It maybe that the Government needs toassume responsibility for ensuring ithappens.
TheNewGeneration Trevor Knight F.I.L.S.A.
STOCKAUDITOR8
The New GenerationThe New GenerationPart 35 - Tyne & Wear - Journey’s end
Trevor Knight concludes hisjourney in search of the NewGeneration of Britain’s Brewers
Heading north on the final stage ofmy journey the A1 separatesCounty Durham into two distinctparts. The city of Durham isprobably one of the most visuallyattractive cities in Britain.Situated on a rocky outcrop andwashed on three sides by theRiver Wear, the city is dominatedby its magnificent Norman castleand Cathedral which have beengiven World Heritage Site status.A city of narrow winding streetsand fine architecture, it is home toBritain’s third oldest universitywhich now occupies most of thebuildings in the old city centre.
We follow the River Wear as itflows north towards Sunderland,the home of my first featuredbrewery. Sunderland stands atthe mouth of the river and inmedieval times was known asWearmouth. Monkwearmouth,the area north of the river, washome to the Venerable Bede(about 673-735), who through hismonumental history of the EnglishChurch is known as the Father ofEnglish History. The nameSunderland is derived from“sundered land” - land that wasseparated from the monasticestates in Anglo-Saxon times.
Sunderland developed as ashipbuilding centre in the mid 14thcentury and by the 19th centurywas the greatest shipbuilding
town in Britain. However,production waned after WorldWar II and the last shipyardclosed in 1988. The town becamean important port in the 18thcentury and in 1850 was expandedby the opening of Hudson Dockwhere coal from the Wear Valleywas loaded onto ships fortransport by sea. Coal mining,
another lucrative industry, boomedin the 19th century but the lastmine closed in 1993 and the site isnow the Stadium of Light, thehome ground of Sunderland A.F.C.The original Wearmouth Bridge,built in 1796 and only the secondiron bridge to be constructed inEngland was replaced in 1929.
Sunderland’s economy hassuffered considerably since theloss of its industries, particularly inthe 1980’s when there was massunemployment. It has sinceundergone a programme ofregeneration with its riversidesites transformed and newbusiness sectors emerging - carmaking, electronics, chemicalsand paper manufacture as well asnew service industries. In 1992,Sunderland was given city statusby the Queen.
DARWIN BREWERY LTD. wasestablished in 1994 and has grownsteadily over the years to becomeone of the most respected micro-breweries in the North East. Highquality beers with the strongindividual character of the regionare produced as well as historicalrecreations of past beers such asFlag Porter, a beer produced witha yeast rescued from a shipwreckin the English Channel.
The first beers were produced onan 18 gallon system based atBrewlab at the University ofSunderland. Evolution - one ofthe first beers produced byDarwin, - could have been adisaster as a mistake was made inthe original recipe, but the brewwas better than expected andevolved to be a best seller. Threeyears later the brewery expandedand moved to Crook in CountyDurham with the acquisition ofHodges Brewery. Brewingcontinued there until 2002 when amove became inevitable as, due
STOCKAUDITOR 9
TheNewGenerationto the ever-growing popularity ofthe brews, space was a problemand plant was stretched tocapacity. The recent closure ofVaux had left the city without abrewery for the first time in overone hundred years, so with staffhaving close links with the city itseemed the right time to moveback to Sunderland and continuebrewing with the purchase ofButterknowle’s 12 barrel plant.
Darwin pride themselves on awide range of quality beers madepossible thanks to the brewery stillowning its original 18 gallon testplant housed in the University ofSunderland. Up to 40 new beersare trialled each year on thisplant, the best of which are thencommercially brewed.
The Brewery’s sister companyBrewlab Ltd. based at theUniversity of Sunderland, stillproduces the yeast, quality controlsystem and technical services tomaintain the best brews possible.They have also trained many ofthe brewers of the new micro-breweries that have beenestablished in the U.K. The
brewery also produces the beersof the closed High Force Breweryat Teesdale
Travelling North along the coastwe come to South Shields.Standing on the Tyne Estuary, herethere is a long and proud maritimetradition and a rich heritage ofseafaring, shipbuilding andlifesaving - it is also home to thenation’s first purpose designedlifeboat. We continue along thebank of the River Tyne - thisshoreline has seen the growth(and sad decline) of theshipbuilding industry since the16th century. Vessels of allshapes and sizes from oil-rigs andcargo ships to huge tankers andluxury liners were built in theTyneside yards as well many ofthe Royal Navy’s finest warships,including the battleship H.M.S.Resolution which served in thetwo World Wars. We soon reachJarrow, another town steeped inhistory - there was a Roman forthere in the first century and thesite was occupied by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century. Thetown entered the modern history
books during the depression of the1930s when its workers marchedto Westminster to demandemployment.
Almost at journey’s end now, wereach Newcastle upon Tyne.The Romans built the first bridgeover the river guarded by a fort onHadrian’s Wall and named it PonsAelius. Appreciating the strategicimportance of the Roman site, theNormans built a wooden fort andthe first “New Castle” wascreated in 1080. Today the RiverTyne is spanned by six bridges -the three most famous having ledto similar designs around theworld. The Tyne Bridge, built in1925, is the best known whileupstream the Swing Bridge standson the line of the original Romanbridge. Robert Stephenson’s HighLevel Bridge was the world’s firstroad and railway bridge, with roadbelow and railway above. Thenewest, The Millennium Bridge, isthe first opening bridge to be builtacross the river for more than 100years.
In the 16th century Newcastle wasalready exporting coal and itschartered control of the riverensured that all coal from the areawas shipped from its port. Coalfrom nearby coal fields, broughtup the Tyne in small ships or keels,was transferred to large ships andexported from Newcastle givingrise to the saying “coals toNewcastle”. By the 19th centuryNewcastle was a centre forcommercial enterprise andinventiveness and many tradesand industries includinglocomotive building byStephenson, the building ofarmaments and steam turbinesbrought prosperity to the town.
SUNDERLAND BEST (3.9% abv.)
A light and smooth-tastingsession bitter full of hopcharacter and moderatebitterness. Amber malt givessmooth body and creamycharacter.
EVOLUTION ALE (4% abv.)
A dark amber full-bodiedbitter with a malty flavour andclean, bitter aftertaste.
KILLER BEE (6% abv.)
A strong but light ale maturedwith pure organic honeyproduced from Darwin’s ownhives.
STOCKAUDITOR10
TheNewGeneration
Five miles to the west of the city isthe village of Newburn - it has aremarkable history and is home tomy final brewery. The villagetakes its name from New Burghmeaning a castle or defensiveplace. Because of its position onthe River Tyne it was consideredmore important than Newcastlebefore the Norman Conquest.Newburn was the first place atwhich the Tyne could be forded,so down the ages, was alwaysimportant strategically. From thenineteenth century it was a worldrenowned centre for coal, steeland the railway industry until 1926when the steel works closed andthe other industries declined.
BIG LAMP BREWERS started in1982 and is the oldest microbrewery in the North East,originally occupying a building inthe West End of Newcastle nearthe site of the Big Lamp fromwhich it takes its name. Its firstbrew, for the Red House publichouse on the Quayside, was BigLamp Bitter initially brewing 10barrels a week.
The brewery flourished and movedto its present larger premises - a
former water pumping stationserving the village of Newburn - in1996. The pumping station,closed and out of service for manyyears, had become derelict whenthe decision was made to relocatethe brewery to the rundown siteand at the same time try to savethe listed building. The buildingwas dismantled brick by brick,each being carefully numbered to
ensure that it was replaced inexactly the right place duringrebuilding. The old waterpumping station is now fully rebuiltand the new home of Big LampBrewers which opened in 1997,and the Keelman public house.
The brewery has expandedsignificantly and its fermentingroom houses five ten barrel tanksand two five barrel tanks. BigLamp Brewers have always usedthe direct firing method for theircopper which gives the beers adistinctive taste. All the plant andequipment used was designed bythe brewery and custom made.Around 35 outlets are supplied andtwo pubs are owned.
BITTER (3.9% abv.)A clean tasting bitter full of hopsand malt. A hint of fruit with agood hoppy finish
PRINCE BISHOP ALE (4.8% abv.)A refreshing easy-drinking goldencoloured bitter full of fruit andhops. Strong bitterness with aspicy dry finish.
KEELMAN BROWN (5.7% abv.)A full-bodied ale with a hint oftoffee.
So, here I am, at the end of my2,500 mile journey. It has been afascinating experience and,perhaps one day, I will be able tomeet some of interestingentrepreneurs for real. In thenext Magazine I will analyse myexperience and choose some ofmy favourite breweries.
Anton EllenderF.I.L.S.A.
It is with regret that Councilhave to announce theresignation, with immediateeffect, of Anton due to workcommitments.
In the short time he was onCouncil he showed greatenthusiasm for the role.
MasterClass
STOCKAUDITOR 11
lechef
Serves 4 Preperation time 20 minutesCooking time 25 minutes
To cook vermicelli rice noodles,follow the instructions on thepacket as brands vary. Thenoodles can be cooked ahead oftime and warmed through, justprior to serving - place cookednoodles in a sieve and pour overboiling water, shake dry andtransfer to serving bowls.
Content
12 raw tiger prawns, peeled and de-veined
2 stalks of lemon grass, chopped6 large Kaffir lime leaves, torn5 cm ( 2in ) piece of root ginger
sliced 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped350g ( 12oz ) white fish fillet, such
as cod 350g ( 12oz ) prepared squid tubes100ml ( 3.5 fl oz ) thai fish sauce100ml ( 3.5oz ) lime juice 2 tbsp castor sugar 2 red birds-eye chillies, thinly
sliced 1 bunch chopped coriander leaves Vermicelli rice noodles.
Hot & SourSeafood Soup
METHOD
Peel and de-vein the prawns andplace the heads and shells in asaucepan with the lemon grass,lime leaves, ginger, garlic and 1.5litres / 3 pints of cold water.
Bring to the boil and simmergently for 20 minutes. Strain thestock into a clean pan and returnto the heat.
Prepare seafood - Cut the fish intochunks. Cut the squid tubes inhalf lengthways and open out flat,using a sharp knife score theinside with a diamond pattern andthe cut into six pieces.
Add the prawns and fish to thehot stock. Cook for one minute,add the squid, fish sauce, limejuice and sugar and cook for afurther one to two minutes untilseafood is cooked.
Pour the fish mixture over thenoodles and serve topped with thechillies and coriander leaves.
And finally enjoy
The World’sThe World’sSimplest QuizSimplest QuizJust for fun have a go at thissimple quiz - answers on page14 - but no cheating
1) How long did the Hundred Years’ War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel’s hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI’s first name?
8) What colour is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the colour of the black box in a commercial aeroplane?
Go with your first answer andsee how many you get right -remember - no cheating !!!
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STOCKAUDITOR12
There are some things that justmake me wonder if some peopleare suitable for their jobs
I have in my time come across afew amusing scenarios withvarious managers that make mequestion if these people areintelligent enough to actuallymanage. Whilst reading this thesequotes are by managers my age orolder and I hasten to add not allfrom the same premises.
Whilst taking a food stock wherethe Chef insists on counting allfridges and freezers I had recall tothe following as he shouted outvarious items for me to record. Itmust be stressed I could not atthis point see into said fridge.
“Camberbert “ wedges 4 -translated was Camembert
Another Chef: Round of Bri -turned out to be Brie
Yet another Chef
Caspians about a kilo - turned outto be capsicums, but pepperswould have done. Cravats big box- turned out to be a 2 Kilo box ofcrevettes
Whilst I found in a cellar threelarge perspex boxes holding adozen cauliflowers each butimmersed in water. I queried thisas being unhygienic only to be toldit keeps the vegetables fresherthan in a cool fridge, “they dry outtoo quickly, you know“. I wasassured the water got changeddaily. I made my feelings known
to the owner. With arecommendation as to only buyingwhat was needed for dailyconsumption instead of buying forthe week, as they have dailydeliveries of fresh vegetables.
Next visit, four weeks down theline, same scenario in the cellar.This time as I moved the offendingand stinking cauliflowers as theybumped into each other in themurky water they started breakingup. My guess ? I think the watermay not have been changed. I amglad to report it does not happenanymore.
A Manager this time
In the draught beer cellar, full ofkegs I came across one that wasconnected up but the gas pipefrom the coupler wasdisconnected. On furtherquestioning the manager haddegassed a keg bitter and wasnow dispensing it through a hand
pull CASK line and selling at 30p apint more ! “ The punters think itsgreat and I have had a visit fromCamra who think I have a goodselection of beers”
What cloud was he on. CAMRAonly look at pubs with a goodrange of cask ales. He had theentire portfolio of Scottish &Newcastle’s keg beer and lagerrange, yet he was insistent thatCAMRA hired a coach to make aspecial visit to this remote pub. Ithink not.
He quizzed me asking “ Youdisapprove I feel”. I pointed outthat I felt it was possibly illegal,cheating the customer and ran therisk of allowing fruit flies or othercreepy crawlies into the keg bythe open gas pipe. This wasquickly covered up with a dampcloth!! I was told that the repshad told him how to do it and thatit was common practice. I have
I Do Wonder !I Do Wonder !
13STOCKAUDITOR
MembersPagenever come across this onebefore. And his sleeping partneragreed with me.
Back to Chefs - as I loosely callsome of them
A gentleman who had beencleaning the bar whilst I tookstock then joined me in thekitchen to take the food stockwith me. Whilst he MIGHT havewashed his hands prior to joiningme I did not think he had. Westarted with a fridge thatcontained last weekends joints ofmeat from the Carvery. Each washandled, put back in the same foil,no day dates on or labels. Wewent from topside of beef to legsof lamb, crown of turkey and ontoleg of pork. No hand washbetween each joint, no cleaning ofscales between each joint. Worstof all he then went onto uncookedmeats - chicken breasts, sirloinsteaks and gammon steaks - allwithout batting an eye or washingof hands.
“What would you like for lunch ?”Inevitable the question came, towhich I replied that I had to get tomy next job, so I was takingpaperwork away and would not beonsite much longer. Think Iescaped Mad Cow disease or asevere bout of sickness anddiarrhoea.
Another Chef/Manager
This time I felt sorry for this man.He had not been onsite for manymonths before his wife wasdiagnosed with a terminal illness, Ihad not met her as she was illwhen they arrived.
Not long after she passed awayand whilst we were talking, he justwanted to tell it like it was and tell
me the whole tale. All this whilstpreparing a bacon & egg muffin.He told me of his past jobs, whichwere many and varied, his wife’slove for the new place and howshe said she wanted to die there !
It turned out she had her wish asshe died between stocktakes andthey had had the funeral. He toldme one of his jobs, a long timeago, was as a funeral directorand he laid his wife out upstairs. “Do you want ketchup with yourmuffin? “ I lost my appetite as Iremembered that Chef who didn’twash his hands whilst handlingfood cooked and uncooked. Ihoped he has scrubbed his handsand I am still here but thatsandwich went down in lumps.
Finally, don’t you just love to get tothe back of the fridge and findsomething that’s been there forabout two weeks, all shrivelled orgrowing a beard and smelling evil.Makes my day when Chef tells theowner “ I empty and clean allfridges on a Monday morning”.Must be a Chefs calendar but Ithought Friday came afterMonday? Don’t we just love foodstocks.
Anybody had similarexperiences ?
Why not share yourexperiences with fellowmembers .....
STOCKAUDITOR14
OddsEnds
“How many of us stillremember Retail PriceMaintenance (RPM)?
During the war years some itemsbecame subject to a maximumprice limit. This was lifted, Ibelieve in the early 1960’s but thestickers on bottles of vintage winewere still around for a while after.
The Chateau Petrus 1940 in thepicture would have cost around 15shillings (75p) when originallypurchased. In the last year onehas changed hands at £2375 ( noRPM there then ) and I can onlyfind evidence of one other bottlestill for sale, in Switzerland, for3500 euros.”
Never lie to your mother!!Never lie to your mother!!Peter invited his mother for dinner. During the course of the meal; hismother couldn’t help but notice how lovely Peter’s flat mate, Joanne,was.She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, andthis only made her more curious.Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, shestarted to wonder if there was more between Peter and his flat matethan met the eye.Reading his mum’s thoughts, Peter volunteered, ‘I know what you mustbe thinking, but I assure you, Joanne & I are just flat mates.’About a week later, Joanne came to Peter saying, ‘Ever since yourmother came to dinner, I’ve been unable to find the frying pan, youdon’t suppose she took it do you?’‘Well I doubt it, but I’ll e-mail her just to be sure’ said Peter.So he sat down and wrote...DEAR MOTHER,I’M NOT SAYING THAT YOU ‘DID’ TAKE THE FRYING PAN FROM MY HOUSE.I’M NOT SAYING THAT YOU ‘DID NOT’ TAKE THE FRYING PAN BUT THEFACT REMAINS THAT IT HAS BEEN MISSING EVER SINCE YOU WEREHERE FOR DINNER.
LOVE PETERSeveral days later, Peter receivedan email from his mother whichread
DEAR SON,I’M NOT SAYING THAT YOU ‘DO’SLEEP WITH JOANNE, AND I’MNOT SAYING THAT YOU ‘DO NOT’SLEEP WITH JOANNE, BUT THEFACT REMAINS THAT IF SHEWAS SLEEPING IN HER OWNBED, SHE WOULD HAVE FOUNDTHE FRYING PAN BY NOW.LOVE MUM XXX( I could not resist this Email that I received lastweek )
Answers to theWorld’s Easiest Quiz
Page 11
1) 116 years 2) Ecuador 3) Sheep and Horses 4) November 5) Squirrel fur 6) Dogs 7) Albert 8) Crimson 9) New Zealand 10) Orange
Did you get more than 6without resorting to referencebooks, asking the family orphoning a friend ? If you didyou should consider becominga stocktaker, no-one will pullthe wool over your eyes. Lessthan four - there is still time tobook onto the October trainingcourse !
Availablefrom theOfficeILTSA badgeddocument bag withshoulder strap.
£ 9.99 inc P.& P.
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15STOCKAUDITOR
Don’t agree with MLRRegulations - If you don’t think we should haveto be registered for MLR pleasecontact your local MP with aletter such as the one reprintedin the August issue.
It is the only way we are going tomanage to have the decisionrescinded.
Institute Date StampsInstitute Date Stamps� Personalised with your company
details
� Changeable date
� Please order from the Secretary
� Allow six weeks for deliveryPrice £ 40.00 ( inclusive of post andpacking and V.A.T.)
14 Oct 2009
ABC STOCKTAKING
Full time Stocktaker - employed.
Stockcheck & Stocktake UK are one of the UK’s leading licensed trade stocktakingcompanies, based at Broughton Hall, Skipton.
Due to an increase in business we’re looking for a full time stocktaker, based in theLancashire, or North Manchester area.
The successful candidate should have a minimum of 1 years experience in a similarposition, and have a flexible approach to working times.
We offer a competitive salary, and a voluntary company pension scheme.
Please send C.V to Stephen Grantham, Managing Director, Stocktake UK &Stockcheck, The Water Mill, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3AG oremail [email protected]
www.stocktakeuk.co.uk www.logonn.co.uk www.stockcheck.co.uk
PUB INDEPENDENT RENT REVIEW SCHEME ( PIRRS )Many licensees have accepted rent increases because to oppose them through the existing framework wasextremely expensive and did not guarantee success. A scheme has been devised that allows tenants andlandlords an opportunity to resolve rent disputes through a low cost scheme. Delegates from the Federationof Licensed Victuallers Associations ( FLVA ) , the British Institute of Innkeeping ( BII ), the British Beer andPub Association ( BBPA ) , Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers ( ALMR ) and the Guild of MasterVictuallers have recently launched PIRRS. Details of the independent valuers who meet the minimumstandards set by the board of directors of the above five bodies will be available shortly. Documentationrequired to begin proceedings will be provided by PIRRS. The costs are as follows:-
Rent under £ 25,000 Landlord £ 2,000 and Tenant £ 1,000Rent over £ 25,000 Landlord £ 1,500 and Tenant £ 1,500
For those inside the M25 boundary the costs are:-Rent under £ 25,000 Landlord £ 2,500 and Tenant £ 1,500Rent over £ 25,000 Landlord £ 2,000 and Tenant £ 2,000
Further details can be found on their web site www.pirrscheme.com - available late September
National MinimumWage Rates from 1st October 2009
The new rates of pay are asfollows
Employees 22 years of age and over £ 5.80
Employees 18 to 21 inclusive £ 4.83
16 and 17 year olds£ 3.57
AutomobileAssociation Brett Websdale M.I.L.S.A.
STOCKAUDITOR16
www.iltsa.co.uk
Residential Training SeminarsOctober 2009
Training courses held in April andOctober - Full details on
www.iltsa.co.uk
For further details on all aspects of the Institutecontact the Secretary, Diane Swift
on 01422 833003Always look for the letters F.I.L.S.A. & M.I.L.S.A. Tel:- 01684 878042
The Institute has succesfullyoperated Fleetwide 3 with the AAfor many years. The Fleetwidecover we have is as follows:-
ROADSIDE - this is the minimumlevel of cover and providesassistance if you’ve broken down atleast 1/4 of a mile away from home.Their aim is to fix your vehicle andget you on your way, but if they areunable to do this within a reasonabletime they will provide a local tow tothe nearest suitable repairer.
HOME START – One in fourbreakdowns occur at or near home,and this service provides assistancein these situations. Again, their aim isto get you on your way, but if they areunable to do this within a reasonabletime they will provide a local tow tothe nearest suitable repairer.
RELAY - relay is normally anoptional extra to roadside assistancebut is covered by our plan. Relay isavailable if you are stranded on thehighway more than a quarter of amile from your home address. Relayprovides recovery of the coveredvehicle (including a CARAVAN orTRAILER which was on tow at thetime ), the driver and up to amaximum of seven passengers to asingle destination of your choice. Ifthere are more than the maximum
number of people the A.A. will seek toarrange but will not pay for theironward transportation.
STAY MOBILE At the time the A.A.authorises Stay Mobile you maychoose from one of the followingbenefits
1. Overnight accommodation 2. Replacement vehicle 3. Public transport costs .
The A.A. will issue a voucherindicating which option has beenchosen. Note that no othersubsequent requests will beconsidered.
This year we have managed tokeep the rate as last year. At£85.00 it offers a tremendoussaving on normal prices. At the
moment the AA are doing an‘Introductory Offer’ for the samecover,. With on-line discount thisstill works out at £ 143.25. Thesaving on the AA scheme is wellon the way to paying your ILTSAsubscriptions.
Cover starts on 1st December 2009so please send your completedbooking form & cheque to:-
Brett Websdale M.I.L.S.A.55 Primrose CloseAnnitsfordNewcastle Upon TyneNE23 7UD
� 07850 118201
RenewalRenewal
PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS THE CAR THAT IS COVERED ANDNOT THE DRIVER. IT IS VITAL THAT CHANGES TO YOUR
REGISTRATION NUMBER ARE NOTIFIED TO MEIMMEDIATELY.
Per Vehicle
STILL
£85£85
