Exclusive – Marston’s places 61-strong freehold pub package on the market: Marston’s has placed a 61-strong portfolio of freehold pubs on the market, Propel has learned. The assets, which are a selection of Marston’s non-core properties, include a mix of leased, tenanted, retail and managed pubs and are available to purchase individually, in small groups or as a group package. Judith Rafique, head of estates at Marston’s, said: “Following a routine review of our estate we have taken the decision to offer to market a varied range of property types. This enables us to focus on our strategic objectives and maximise returns from our core estate.” The company has instructed business property adviser and pub specialist Christie & Co to market the portfolio of pubs. The pubs, which are understood to be being marketed under the project name “Project Aramis”, are spread across England and Wales. Noel Moffitt, senior director – corporate pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and multiple operators to acquire established successful public houses across England and Wales. The pub sector has been very resilient over the last few years and has adapted well to the challenges and despite interest in the sector there is a lack of properties on the market. This portfolio offers new entrants and existing operators a wonderful opportunity to acquire investments or operate their own businesses.” It is thought the package will attract interest from the likes of Red Oak Taverns, the national pub operator founded by Aaron Brown and Mark Grunnell in 2011, and Valiant Pub Company, the Gerry Carroll-led business. Both companies have acquired pubs from Marston’s over the past 12 months. 

Only A Pavement Away launches female mentorship programme: Only A Pavement Away, the industry charity aiding prison leavers, veterans and those facing homelessness find employment in the hospitality sector, has launched a Women in Hospitality campaign and mentorship programme, A Seat at the Table. The campaign has been created to champion the hospitality industry as inclusive and a great career option for women facing homelessness. For its part, Only A Pavement Away has committed to supporting at least 250 women into purposeful careers in hospitality this year. The mentorship programme, A Seat at the Table – Women Mentoring Women, is open exclusively to women placed into employment by Only A Pavement Away. It will match mentees with inspiring female leaders from across the industry to support them in achieving their respective career goals, and help mentees tackle barriers in the way of them gaining senior leadership roles. It will initially pilot with four mentorship partnerships, with each mentor committing to spending six sessions this year with their mentee, under the guidance of Only A Pavement Away career coach, Will Andrews. The mentorship programme will form part of Only A Pavement Away’s broader Seat At The Table campaign, launched to champion the hospitality industry as a safe and welcoming place for women facing homelessness and increase the charity’s support specifically for women and their needs.