One of the pub industry’s most coveted prize ceremonies, The Publican Awards, is now open for applications.

Rob Willock, Editor of the specialist publication The Publican’s Morning Advertiser, enthuses that ‘The Publican Awards offer a fantastic opportunity for pubcos to gain recognition for their hard work and achievements. Winning a prestigious Publican Award is an excellent way for companies to promote themselves.’

Landlords looking to enter have a grand total of 12 different awards categories to choose from, providing pubs of all types their chance to shine. Best Community Pub Operator, for example, champions those bars and pubs that put the local population at the heart of their business, while Best Industry Initiative rewards those finding innovative ways to improve their service.

One hopeful entrant this year is Andrew Buchanan, Director of national chain Thwaites, who won the Best Tenanted or Leased Pub Company category last year and wishes to repeat this success in 2013. ‘Not only did we achieve press coverage as a result,’ he explains, but also ‘it was a great boost to the whole team and most importantly we have seen an increase in the number of customer applications.’

Of course competition for such a lucrative award is fierce and pub owners wanting to enter will have to consider every aspect of their customer offering if they’re going to come home with a prize. Beyond the obvious requirements for friendly service and a good drinks range, creating a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere is one of the most important factors to think about.

For pubs in a rush to submit their application, one of the easiest ways to instantly generate ambiance is perhaps through a jukebox. Not only do jukeboxes for hire, like those at HireJukebox, provide a second revenue stream, they can also entertain every audience, as they offer over seven million tracks to choose from. Available on a profit-share basis with no rental fees, this is surely one of the most cost-effective ways to give a pub or bar that little extra edge for the 2013 awards.

Good luck to all those entering the Publican Awards, and don’t hesitate to contact a HireJukebox advisor with any questions on the jukebox options available for your pub.

Author: Marc Bird