Ok my remit is technically to investigate the demise of one of our Great British institutions, the pub trade. The case I have in question this week is not so much a ‘bigger picture’ scenario, but a story of how even if a business is doing relatively well on the outside, unforeseen circumstances beyond one’s control can have devastating consequences for business interruption.
The case in question pertains to the Wilford Green Pub and Kitchen of Wilford, Nottingham which has hit the press recently due to a road closure which has seen its turnover drop drastically over the last 4 months as access to the pub has been limited.
I spoke with the landlord, Scott Whittaker and asked what the story was.
‘The takings have fallen by over £3,000 per week since the road closure. I can’t claim on my business interruption insurance as there is technically still access to the pub from the other direction. My problem really was with the Council as their road signage was not as effective as it could have been’ he said.
Mr. Whittaker went to the extreme of having his own road signs made up to prove a point.
‘I didn’t actually put them up, just used them to illustrate my frustrations. In fairness it’s given me a bit of extra publicity just when I need it so it’s not all bad’.
Apparently other local businesses had also been affected by the Council’s contradictory diversion signs too.
Mr. Whittaker declined to comment on whether he had been compensated by the local Council but did say that he was reasonably happy with the discussions he had had with them.
So if you’re anywhere near Wilford, pop in to the Wilford Green Pub and Kitchen and show your support for Scott. Directions including the diversion can be found on his website at www.wilfordgreen.com.
As the likelihood is that Mr. Whittaker will now subsequently be claim free this year, I have asked one of the panel of insurers here at CompareCrazy.com to contact him at renewal to offer a competitive pub insurance quote, because we care here at CompareCrazy.com. The business insurance comparison site!
