We are aiming to cut the numbers down all the time. Among the criteria demanded are technical ability, responsiveness, cost and attitude - which includes pragmatic business sense. For example, Peter Holden at Kimble worked with us in a previous incarnation before setting himself up in Milton Keynes. He specialises in the pub industry and is very loyal to the company. Regulations aimed specifically at the brewing industry include the 1989 Beer Orders, which limit the number of pubs brewers can own, and UK and EU competition rules that affect the contracts between brewers and retailers.
Competition is a major issue.
Brewing as an industry has always attracted the attention of successive governments. The Beer Orders are under review by the Office of Fair Trading, and it is possible we may see a change in those regulations. There has also been speculation about consolidation in the industry. Vellani wants a quick response from law firms on any issue. The company has set up an intranet system called Devil's Advocate by which every person in the company who comes into contact with external lawyers can evaluate the service they receive online.