Phil Pothecary, the former head of procurement at bar and club operator Novus Leisure, has joined Prestige Purchasing to help launch a new beverage procurement service.
He has been recruited along with Chris Donaldson, a Master of Wine, to head the new practice aimed specifically at operators in the hospitality sector.
Consultancy services will focus on quality and a collaborative approach to beverage procurement, working with suppliers to ensure that they provide the best experience and product for customers while increasing profitability through efficiency.
The decision to launch the beverage service was sparked by strong client demand. David Read (pictured above), chief executive of Prestige Purchasing, said: “As the beverage market matures, operators need to become more sophisticated in the way they approach it if they are to compete for customers and manage their costs.
“Operators can’t afford to ignore the potential to drive revenues through a collaborative approach with wholesalers and brand owners, and create greater efficiency within drinks procurement.
“As a consultancy, we not only need supply-chain expertise, but specialists who understand drinks and the drinks market inside out. That’s why we’re very pleased to have Chris and Phil joining the team and we’re looking forward to introducing them to our clients over the coming months.”
At Novus Leisure, Phil was in charge of over £25million of purchasing and worked collaboratively with drinks brand owners to unify the company’s supply chain and to promote brands through the bars which include Tiger Tiger.
Phil has developed very strong relationships with drinks suppliers and has earned a reputation as a specialist in creating efficiencies in drinks procurement across multiple venues.
Chris became a Master of Wine while working as a wine buyer for Harrods before going on to become managing director of wine importer and wholesaler Cockburn & Campbell.
He was more recently a specialist consultant for the likes of pub operator Young’s and the Royal Tokaji Wine Company. As a Master of Wine, Chris’s expertise ensures that he is adept at sourcing well-priced wines without compromising quality.
To explore issues around beverage procurement, Prestige Purchasing will be hosting an event on November 8 at the Andaz Hotel in London with the title: “Opportunities in a maturing wholesale drinks market: How you can maximise brand owner investment through your wholesaler, and improve your profitability.” Email Micaela.Moroney@Prestige-Purchasing.com to reserve a place.
Prestige Purchasing is one of the UK’s leading specialists in procurement and supply chain management for the hospitality, catering, leisure, retail and private healthcare sectors.
In August 2012, its consortium business was acquired by Pelican Buying Company. The acquisition has allowed Prestige Purchasing to further develop its core consultancy and insight business.
