Energy-saving measures help pub chain achieve record profits
A series of energy-saving measures have contributed to JD Wetherspoon, the UK-based chain of public houses, posting its best ever annual results.
The company saw pre-tax profits increase by 13.6 per cent to £66.2 million in the 12 months to July 26th, despite the challenging trading conditions facing the food and drink industry in the UK.
As well as cutting prices and introducing special offers, JD Wetherspoon boosted its bottom line with a number of carefully planned energy-saving solutions.
According to the Guardian, the chain decided to reduce the energy consumption of its 734 pubs in response to rising utility prices and the onset of the recession.
It therefore installed smart meters to monitor energy use in each of its branches, as well as becoming more efficient with lighting and not serving certain food items before 11:00 local time to save on electricity.
Chief executive John Hutson told the newspaper that the bleak financial outlook at the beginning of the year inspired the company to make major changes.
"We looked ahead and saw no sales and lots of cost growth, and we felt we needed to galvanise ourselves," he said.
JD Wetherspoon is opening two pubs in the UK this month and plans to launch more new branches in October.
