11/03/2010 - Early doors for Wetherspoon punters
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon is planning to capitalise on its position as the UK's third biggest coffee chain by extending its morning opening hours.
Early risers wanting their first caffeine hit of the day will be able to stop by one of the chain's branches for breakfast and coffee at 7am from April 28 after five years of 9am starts.
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said the move was on the back of a successful trading year for the firm, which saw profits before tax and exceptional items rise 17.5% to £36.2 million in the 26 weeks to January 24 on total sales up 4.1% at £488.1 million.
"I think we are doing well with record profits, record sales, very strong cash flow and good opportunities to double the number of pubs over the next 10 to 15 years, doubling the number of jobs."
He said the firm paid out an average bonus of about 13% of salary to all staff, with cash and share awards totalling £12.5 million over the period, adding that it was in the chain's best interests to reward its workers.
"The motivation is that pubs depend on people. If we can attract and retain the best people then we will do better and it is as simple as that."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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