Speaking to the Morning Advertiser recently, BBPA Chief Executive Emma McClarkin has said her prior experience as an MEP lent her a diplomatic edge which proved central in helping her secure hospitality venues the support they so desperately needed during Covid. Who’d have thought those skills would be put to an even greater test as economic and tax pressures deliver an existential threat to the great British pub.

Last month Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association Emma McClarkin went on the record with the Morning Advertiser, as the trade paper reflected on a turbulent first five years in the position. 

The former MEP stepped into the shoes of Brigid Simmonds, who went on to chair the Betting and Gaming Council, and was made official CEO in November 2019…just in time for panic-fueled pandemic lockdowns and the requisite mass closures of licensed premises throughout the country. 

To that end, McClarkin described her role in securing £10bn in support for the pub sector to see them through Covid as “one of my proudest achievements,” and said that despite the trying days during the worst of the pandemic, it was her “deep care and knowledge of how hard all our members work” which allowed her to “get through the pressures and challenges we faced.” 

Indeed, McClarkin’s efforts on behalf of the hospitality industry throughout Covid were recognised in the form of an OBE as part of the 2022 Birthday Honors, an appointment which saw her receiving the award from King Charles: who apparently is partial to a pint or two himself. 

“That really meant a lot to me and my family,” she remarked. “I was delighted I was able to make him laugh about our mutual love of beer and pubs.” 

Meanwhile, McClarkin attributed her clear and authentic negotiating style to her prior political experience in Brussels: something she was able to employ to maximum effect when dealing with ministers as she navigated the pubs sector through its Covid-era travails. 

“Having been a politician and being able to navigate the political world is a skill to have, and it came to the fore during the pandemic when there were a lot of closed doors, literally, to conversations,” she reflected. “Understanding how these people are motivated, how the machine works, getting yourself around Whitehall, those play to my key skills and strengths.” 

“2025 is going to be a challenging year”: Emma McClarkin on what pubs can do to help weather the storm

With pubs facing unprecedented economic challenges on both an individual and national level, BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin has highlighted what venues can do to prepare for another challenging year.

● Do what you do best: “Focus on your teams, make sure they feel valued and keep surprising and delighting your customers, giving them more wonderful experiences and more reasons to keep coming back to the pub.”

● Keep the faith: “There’s a lot of nervousness around the industry but I think there is long term confidence in the sector, it’s just going to come with some painful short-term challenges.”

● Keep an entrepreneurial spirit: “Think about what the customer wants to get them through your door. It doesn’t need to be huge investments; it could be small things like a free portion of chips or anything to make your guests feel that little bit more special.”

● Consider diversifying the offer: “Everybody loves the pub, but everybody needs to use them. And if you want them to keep using the pub, they need more reasons to go there.”