Talk:Berni Inn

message: Does anyone know when Berni Inn's became defunct? Is it late 1980s / early 1990s perhaps? --Wrh1973 21:07, 21 November 2006 (UTC)
thread_title:  Disestablishment 

message: "Were famous for our steaks" (!)  WERE famouse?  Not famous anymore?  Where did this new-found obscurity come from?  Did the editor mean "We're famous for our steaks?"  I can't be arsed to look it up from primary sources.  Someone please ...  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.129.22.17 (talk) 14:01, 26 June 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Steaks 

message: This article talk page was automatically added with  banner as it falls under :Category:Restaurants or one of its subcategories. If you find this addition an error, Kindly undo the changes and update the inappropriate categories if needed. You can find the related request for tagging here  -- TinucherianBot (talk) 07:52, 2 July 2008 (UTC)
thread_title: [[WP:FOOD]] tagging

message: "It introduced the post-war British public to the joys of prawn cocktail, steak, chips, and peas, and Black Forest Gateau."
I don't doubt you on prawn cocktail or Black Forest Gateau (certainly new in the 1950s) but in what way did it introduce steak, chips, and/or peas?  Surely people ate steak before?  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.41.11.134 (talk) 22:52, 30 May 2009 (UTC)
thread_title: Food

message: A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE GROWTH AND DEMISE OF BERNI INNS LTD [formerly Horts Restaurant Ltd]
Prepared and assembled by me from the published accounts, A B Jacobs, who through the years 1960-1974 saw the company grow from ten branches to over 320. I joined the company as a trainee accountant, became management accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant to the Group during which time introduced the concept of buying meat by portion. I was involved in the development of co-ownership companies and eventually became PA to the Group Managing Director Claude W Boswell before leaving in 1974.
1957, was the ninth year of trading. Berni Inns Ltd was at that time called Horts Restaurant Ltd and its share capital was traded on the Bristol Stock Exchange. 
The Company Horts Restaurant also had two subsidiaries, Bush Hotel (Swansea) Ltd and The Rummer Limited which owned the Rummer and Britannia.
The Directors were:
Philip Hort FCA
Frank Berni
Aldo Berni
Bertram Maggs
Paul N Rosse
J A Cava.
Consolidated Profit for the year was £30,401
In 1958 the Directors and subsidiaries of Horts Restaurant Ltd were the same. The consolidated profit and loss account was £30,274 for the year
1959, was a turning point for Horts Restaurant Ltd; it started to expand. The Tudor Tavern Taunton had been acquired and alterations carried out. The lease of the Llandoger Trow was acquired from Bristol Corporation. The company had also  contracted to take a lease of the Coach & Horses [later renamed The Hole in the Wall] ueen Square also from Bristol Corporation. A subsidiary, Horts (Posada) Ltd was created to take over the Premier Restaurant and this included The Posada and The Crown, there was a minority shareholder for 25% of the company called Harold Gee. Another small company was also operating two Wimpy type outlets called The Steakburger Company Ltd operating The Steak Bar Old Market and The Wimpey next door to Horts.
The consolidated  profit for the year was £30,850.
1960. During that financial year there were changes. The premier restaurant was merged with  the Premier and this operated later as “The Mixed Grill” which hasd only one menu item…. A mixed grill. There was a new acquisition, Baldwin House, but this did not trade in the year
The directors were unchanged. 
My memory of Paul Rosse was that of a ladies man who had a great deal of knowledge about drawings and architecture although I understood that he had no formal training. I knew that he had been manager of Horts restaurant back in the early fifties and  I was told  that in his younger days he had  climbed the north face of the Eiger, had been a ballroom champion andhad won a world prize  for poetry written in Russian. Regrettably I never had the chance to ask him to confirm. He was one of those characters who tended to breed fear.
The consolidated profit for the year had risen to £57,499
1961. It was during this year that I joined the company called Berni Catering Company. In the previous year Dennis Peter Dalton and George E Withy joined Berni Catering as accountants. Berni Catering Company  was an administrative vehicle that produced accounts for the public company Horts Restaurant Ltd and two other private companies owned by Frank and Aldo called F&A Berni operating The Royal Albert Grill Newport, The New Inn Gloucester and 37 Queen Sq Gloucester together with Berni Steak Bars Ltd which owned the unlicensed Berni Chicken Barbeque on the Centre Bristol. When I joined there were 9 operational sites in Berni Inns Ltd
It was during the year 60/1 that the company changed its name to Berni Inns Ltd and also became listed on the London Stock Exchange.
More sites were acquired in the year 60/61, all leaseholds. 
Peel Arms Tamworth, 
Swan & Botttle Uxbridge
Montpelier Grill Cheltenham
The Pack Horse Worcester
Market House Taunton
Bulls Head Meriden
This took the number within Berni Inns Ltd to 19 operations
Quoting from the Chairman’s report
BERN I INNS LIMITED
Chairman’s Report
It is pleasing to be able to report on a Year’s trading Which has been successful and has shown satisfactory progress. The policy of expansion has been fully justified and the results show a substantial increase in profits which enables the Board to recommend a final dividend in accordance with the forecast in March last. These results have not been achieved without considerable effort, but by careful planning in the face of increased competition and the general trend of rising overheads and operating expenses.
Additional information has been given in this Year’s Report and Accounts to enable Shareholders to appreciate the rapid and successful growth of the Company.
During the past twelve months there have been several acquisitions of Licensed premises, some of which are still in the development stage, but in the very near future all of them should make satisfactory contributions to the Company’s earnings. A list of the businesses now being carried on within the Group is shown in the Report, but of these the Berni Inn at Taunton and the Bull’s Head at Meriden were taken over since the 31st May, so that no trading results from these Houses are included in the Accounts to that date.
The major alterations in Bristol were carried out at ‘ Baldwin House’ in St. Nicholas Street and Baldwin Street, and at the Hole in the Wall ‘(previously known as the’ Coach and Horses ‘), Queen Square, and both these Units are proving to be popular. Progress in the development of the ‘ L Trow’ has, unfortunately, been slow, mainly due to work necessary to strengthen and preserve the building, but there is every prospect of a section being opened before the end of 1961. Additional accommodation has been pro vided at ‘The Rummer’ and the ‘ Crown’ in the Market, in order to meet demand.
Branches outside Bristol in the course of development include the ‘ Montpellier Grill at Cheltenham, the ‘Swan and Bottle’ at Uxbridge, the ‘Peel Arms’ at Tamworth, and the ‘Pack Horse Hotel’ at Worcester. During the last financial year these Houses have not contributed to any material extent to the Profits, as part of the premises were closed during alterations and consequently trading was adversely affected, but there is no doubt that considerable benefit will be derived from them during the current year.
It has been necessary to give careful thought to the Administration and future executive needs of the Company so that the policy of expansion can continue. Mr. Frank Berni has been appointed Deputy Chairman and Mr. Paul N. Rosse is now Joint Managing Director with Mr. Aldo Berni. In addition to Mr. D. P. Dalton, the Company Secretary, who is in charge of office administration, the services have been obtained of Mr. C. M. Cockerill, F.H.C.I., M.B.I.M., as Area Manager and Mr. J. L. Trigg to plan and supervise the altera tion and development of the Company’s properties. Both these Gentlemen have had wide and considerable experience in the Licensing and Catering Trade.
To avoid rumours which circulate from time to time, it should be explained that the Board is not contemplating any merger, but is willing to co-operate with owners in the development of Licensed properties. Agreement has now been reached with Messrs. John Harvey and Sons Ltd. of Bristol to develop certain Licensed premises and Restaurants. To implement this arrangement a new Company has been formed to be known as Harvey Berni Projects Ltd. which will be on a fifty-fifty basis but the management of the Houses will be undertaken by Berni Inns Ltd. The management policy and expansion programme of Berni Inns Ltd. will continue as before and be independent of the new Company. The provision of further Capital to finance the Company’s future expansion is having the consideration of the Board and its advisers.
The proposed Appropriations of the Profits are set out in the Directors’ Report and in the Accounts. After transferring £16,125 to General Reserve your Directors recommend a final dividend of 10% on the present Issued Capital of £120,000 so that the total distribution will be £3,675 more than last year.
The Company is growing from strength to strength and your Directors consider that there is a demand for the facilities which it can offer and that further development will be for the benefit of Shareholders.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all members of the Staff, both of the Parent and Subsidiary Companies for their services during the year.
PHILIP W. HORT,
Chairman.
For the year 1961 the consolidate d pre tax profit was £85,633; substantial growth on the previous year.
1962. Another memorable year. This was the time when it was recognised that the private companies or F&A Berni, Berni Catering and Berni Steak Bars Ltd could not continue in the private ownership of Frank & Aldo Berni. Berni Catering company was acquired by Berni Inns Ltd. F&A Berni and Berni Steak Bars was hived off to a separate administrative office with myself and Audley Archdale and Aldo Berni. During the meantime negotiations were in hand aided by John Gibbs and Alan Bartlett, of Associated Industrial Consultants, for Berni Inns Ltd to acquire those companies. It was during that year 1961/62 when I persuaded Aldo and Audley to agree to get the then manager of the Royal Albert Grill, Alan Pickup, to stop buying steaks and fish by the pound but by the “eaches”. In other words 50 eight ounce steaks were purchased at a price per steak rather than 25 and a quarter lbs of steak. The difference was that suddenly the control of steaks and the cash derived from their sale became substantially better controlled. Aldo advise Mac Cockrill of Berni Inns of the great success and Cockerill installed it in Berni Inns Ltd immediately.
At the 31st May 1962 F&A Berni and Berni Steak Bars was acquired by Berni Inns Ltd with a share transaction. And accordingly none of that years profit for those two companies was included in the consolidated results of £123,761 [£85,633 for 1961]
New associated, rather than subsidiary, companies were being formed. One was with Harveys of Bristol. Another was with Rabiotti of West End Catering in London and the third with the three Carpanini brothers who owned and operated a business with their mother, sister of Frank and Aldo, in Cardiff. 
The following are extracts from the 1962 accounts.
BERNI INNS LIMITED
Chairman’s Report
It is my pleasure once again to report a successful year’s trading, during which there has been further expansion of the business. It is necessary that such expansion should be carried out in an orderly manner having regard to difficulties which could arise by over-trading. Careful planning is required both as regards finance and administration, but with the expert advice which is available to the Company, it is in a position to make still further progress.
At the Extraordinary Meeting in May last, Shareholders unanimously approved the acquisition of F. & A. Berni Ltd. and Berni’s Steak Bars Ltd., two Private Companics of which Mr. Frank and Mr. Aldo Berni were the principal Shareholders, and as a result your Company now control:— 
The New Inn, Gloucester.
Berni’s Grill, Gloucester.
The Royal Albert Grill at Newport, and
The Barbecue at the Centre, Bristol.
The purchase of the Hawthorns Hotel was completed in June last, and extensive alterations are now in progress.
The first stage of the development of the Old Manor Hotel at Bracknell has been completed, and plans are well advanced for the development of premises in Exeter.
Further acquisitions include: The Catherine Wheel Hotel at Henley-on-Thames and Ye Olde Rose Inne, Wokingham.
Harvey-Berni Projects Li the Company jointly owned with Harveys of Bristol Limited is now operating “ The Oliver” in Green Street, Bath and negotiations are well advanced for the development of other licensed premises elsewhere.
A Steak Bar was opened in October at 175 Regent Street, London, to be operated by a new Company—” Raberni Limited “—formed by Berni Inns Limited in association with West End Catering Company Limited. The reception of our specialised catering in London is awaited with interest.
Another Associated Company—” Carpan Inns Limited “—has been formed to develop Steak Bars and Licensed Restaurants, mainly in South Wales.
Your Company now operates or is associated with 32 establishments but your Directors will not be content until many more are under their control. Although the recent granting of new licences is bound to result in increased competition, it is felt that the specialised. catering offered by your Company will continue to achieve satisfactory results. On the other hand, your Company will benefit from the new law and will take advantage of the facilities now available to obtain new licences to extend its operations. The Administrative Staff has been enlarged, and the Executives of the Company are experienced in the Licensed and Catering Trade.
The sudden death of Mr. J. A. Cava in June last, was an untimely loss to the Company. Mr. Cava had been a Director since January 1957 and as a Solicitor with extensive know ledge of Company matters his services were of great value to the Board.
The Accounts for the year to the 31st May, 1962, which are now submitted, show a substantial increase in the Trading Profit over the previous year, and the Net Profit, before Taxation, is greater by £38,128. After transferring £15,000 to General Reserve, your Directors recommend a Final Dividend of 5% making 10% for the year on the present Issued Ordinary Capital, and consequently the Net distribution in cash will be 33 more than last year. Your Directors have always adopted a conservative policy as regards the payment of Dividends, and this has helped in the development of the Company. It has already been announced, however, that the Dividends for the current year will be not less than 20 % on the present Issued Ordinary Share Capital, and your Directors are able to make this forecast having regard to the increased profits which will accumulate from the two Private Companies acquired and also from the further development of old and new Branches.
The name Berni Inns “ has now become a household word in the West of England, South Wales and the Midlands, and is spreading further afield. Your Directors look forward to the future with confidence.
In conclusion, I wish to thank, on behalf of the Board, all Executives and other Staff, both of the parent, subsidiary and associated Companies, for their services during the past year.
PHILIP W. HORT
Chairman.
Berni Inns Limited
(a) Hort’s Restaurant, Broad Street, Bristol
( Tudor Tavern, Fore Street, Taunton
(c) Llandoger Trow, King Street, Bristol
(ci) Hole in the Wall, Queen Square, Bristol
(e) Peel Arms Hotel, Market Street, Tamworth
(f) Swan and Bottle, High Street, Uxbridge
(g) Montpellier Grill, Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham
(h) The Posada, St. Nicholas Street, Bristol
(i) Pack Horse Hotel, St. Nicholas Street, Worcester
(]) Berni Inn, Market House, Taunton
(k) Bull’s Head, Meriden, Warwickshire
(1) Baldwin House, Baldwin Street, Bristol
(in) Old Manor Hotel, Bracknell, Berkshire
(i Hawthorns Hotel, Bristol
(a) Catherine Wheel, Henley-on-Thames
(p) Ye Olde Rose Inne, Wokingham, Berkshire
(q) Old Castle Street, Exeter.
Bush Hotel (Swansea) Limited
The Bush Hotel, High Street, Swansea
The Rummer Limited
 (a) The Rummer, All Saints’ Lane, Bristol, I 
(b) The Britannia, St. Nicholas Street, Bristol, 1
Hort’s (Crown) Limited
(a) The Crown, The Market, Bristol, I .
(b) Steak and Stilton, The Market, Bristol, 1 -
(c) The Mixed Grill, The Market, Bristol, I
The Steakhurger Company Limited
 (a) The Wimpy Bar, Broad Street, Bristol, I
(b) The Steak Bar, Old Market Street, Bristol, 2
F. & A. Berni Limited
(a) The New Inn, Northgate Street, Gloucester
(b) The Royal Albert Grill, Commercial Street, Newport, Mon.
(c) Berni’s Grill, King’s Square, Gloucester
Berni’s Steak Bars Limited
(a) The Barbecue, St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol
ASSOCIATED COMPAMES
Harvey-Berni Projects Limited 
(a) The Oliver, Bath
Raberni Limited
(a) Berni’s Steak Bar, 175 Regent Street, London
Carpan Inns Limited 
(a) The New Market Tavern, Cardiff.
1963. The start of the financial year included my return to the company once the sale of F&A Berni was completed. I rejoined as Management Accountant for the group. There were many management changes as can be seen from the Chairman’s report, reproduced below.  My recollection was that Cockerill in operations together with Rosse overseeing development and acquisition were a very winning combination.  Cockerill had a tremendous memory for detail, and his knowledge of the Italian language coming from his days as an interrogator with the Italian resistance stood him in good stead.
AIC were still in the background as consultants and at times that contributed to strains within the company rather than solving them.
The results for the year were very good in spite of a difficult winter and yielded £309,497 before tax [ 
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN 1963.
The year under review has seen a notable acceleration in the pace 0 your Company’s expansion. As shareholders you will have noticed from the National Press that the catering industry is itself expanding rapidly. Your Company is justly proud of its own record and we will jealously guard its reputation as growth leaders in this dynamic industry.
The secret of maintaining success is efficient management at all levels. At Berth Inns we are building a team of young Executives guided by the Board through the Managing Director, Mr. Paul N. Rosse.
I feel that you, the Shareholders, should know something about them.
Mr. C. M. Cockerill has been appointed General Manager of Berth Inns Limited and we have every confidence that under his leadership the day to day management of the Company will maintain its high standard of efficiency. Mr. M, J. D. Boyle joined the Company as Sales Manager in June of this year. He brings the enthusiasm and drive essential to the continuance of success within the branches.
In view of the tremendous increase in Accounting and Secretarial work, Mr. P. P. Dalton has relinquished his duties as Company Secretary to enable him to concentrate on the continuous development of the accounting system. The Board appreciates greatly the services rendered by Mr. Dalton in his dual capacity. This, therefore, gives us •the opportunity of welcoming Mr. P. J. Brookes as Company Secretary to the Group.
I am sure that you will have seen, particularly in the new branches, the effective decor designed and installed by Mr. J. L. Trigg, our Property Manager.
We know that this young energetic •team, under the guidance of Mr. P. N. Rosse, will more than maintain the lead your Company has established in specialised catering in this Country.
The Accounts for the year to 31st May, 1963, show a substantial increase in profits.
This was achieved in spite of difficulties experienced in January and February when the severe weather resulted in a reduction of profits in excess of £1,000 per day.
In order to achieve economy in the administration, the assets of certain wholly-owned Subsidiary Companies have been transferred to the Parent Company. As a result, the accumulated profits of these Companies, amounting to £45,624 have been transferred into the Parent Company out of which £42,959 has been transferred to the Revenue Reserve in the Balance Sheets. The Board is continuing its financial policy of revaluing established branches to give a clear representation of the true value of the assets of the Company.
You may be assured that the important question of finance receives serious and regular consideration and expert advice is sought from time -to time. Your board has made arrangements -to obtain short- term finance necessary for the acquisition of businesses which, in the considered opinion of the Board,
-will benefit the Company. In this connection, you will be interested to learn that -the short-term loan shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as £189,413 has now been wholly repaid out of our cash flow.
In addition, the Board has decided to continue to retain a large proportion of profits in the business to finance further development. We are more than confident that adherence to this policy is in the I interests of the Shareholders.
The Board therefore recommend payment of a final dividend of 10% which, with the interim dividend of 10% paid in March of this year, will give a total payment of 20% for the year. This is in accordance with the forecast I made in the ].962 Report and will represent a distribution of £29,584.
Every Company within our Group exists for a specific and essential propose. Many of the businesses shown in the list of Associated Companies are operated by Berni Inns Limited. Others are managed by Directors and Executives of the Associated Companies concerned under the guidance of the Board of Berni inns.
Your Company is always willing to consider association with other Companies whose properties lend themselves to the characteristic Berni style and service.
As I stated in my opening remarks, the Group has acquired a large number of properties during the year under review. We intend to increase the pace of expansion. We will not, however, lower in any way the standard which we require of an acquisition. You may, therefore, rest assured that we are growing under control and with effect.
During the past year Berth Inns Limited and Associated Companies accounted for a large number of Freehold and Leasehold Properties. Although these have yet to contribute to the Group’s profits, they are now being rapidly developed and their results will he seen in the current year’s Accounts.
Such acquisitions were:—
Globe Hotel, King’s Lynn	
White Hart, Brentwood
White Hart, Boston
The Crypt, Dover
Rose and Crown, Wishech	
Borough Arms, Cardiff
Tudor Tavern, St. Albans	
Grand Hotel, Port Talbot
Evenlode, Eynsham	
Imperial I-Tote Stroud
Turk’s Head, Cambridge	
Star Hotel, Cheltenham
The Rifleman’s Hotel, Swindon	
Moore’s Restaurant, Throgmorton Street, London
The Berni Sign which is reproduced throughout this Report is becoming a national symbol of “ Good Eating Out “. Our customers can be assured that wherever they see this Sign they will enjoy food and drink which is the best of its kind.
In concluding this review I would like to express on behalf of your Directors their appreciation of the enthusiasm and application of your Executives, managers and indeed all employees of the Group.
BERNI INNS
Businesses carried on by the Parent Company and its Subsidiaries at the date of this Report
Boston White Hart Hotel
Bracknel Old Manor Hotel
Bristol Baldwin House, Baldwin Street
Bristol The Barbecue, St. Augustine’s Parade
Bristol The Britannia, St. Nicholas Street
Bristol The Crown, The Market
Bristol Hawthorns Hotel, Woodland Road
Bristol Hole in the Wall, Queen Square
Bristol Hort’s Restaurant, Broad Street
Bristol Llandoger Trow, King Street
Bristol The Mixed Grill, The Market
Bristol The Posada, St. Nicholas Street
Bristol The Rummer, All Saints’ Lane
Bristol Steak and Stilton, The Market
Cheltenham Montpellier Grill, Montpellier Walk
Exeter Hole in the Wall, Little Castle Street
Eynsham Evenlode Hotel
Gloucester Berni Inns at King’s Square
Gloucester The New Inn, Northgate Street
Henley-on-Thames Catherine Wheel, Hart Street
King’s Lynn	Globe Hotel, Market Place
Meriden Bull’s Head
Newport The Royal Albert Grill, Commercial Street
Oldham Monico Restaurant, Union Street
St. Albans Tudor Tavern, George Street
Swansea The Bush Hotel, High Street
Tamworth Peel Arms Hotel, Market Street
Taunton Berth Inn, Market House
Taunton Tudor Tavern, Fore Street
Trowbridge The Woolpack, Castle Street
Uxbridge Swan and Bottle, High Street
Wisbech Rose and Crown Hotel
Wokingham	Ye Olde Rose lime, Market Place
Worcester Pack Hone Hotel, St. Nicholas Street
Bern!
Inns
— Associated Companies
HARVEY-BERNI PROJECTS LTD
Bath The Oliver Inn, Green Street
Cambridge	The Turk’s Head Grill, Trinity Street
London Moores Restaurant, Throgmorton Street, E.C.
WEST COUNTRY BERNI LTD
Cheltenham Star Hotel, Regent Street
Hereford Imperial Hotel, Widemarsh Street
Stroud Imperial Hotel, Station Road
Swindon The Rifleman’s Hotel, Regent Street
CARPAN INNS LTD
Cardiff Borough Arms, St. Mary Street
Cardiff The Newmarket Tavern, Trinity Street
Port Talbot The Grand Hotel
RABERNI LTD
Brent	White Hart Hotel, High Street
Dover	Crypt Restaurant, Bench Street
London	Berth Steak Bar, Regent Street, W.1
YEAR TO 31st May 1964
This year showed a substantial increase in profits from £309,497 to £569,297, almost double. An extraordinary year which saw the acquisition of a company, as well as huge development and growth. A progress statement was issued to show how much had been achieved. 
BERNI INNS LIMITED
	20th July, 1964.
PROGRESS STATEMENT
To: The Preference Shareholders and the Ordinary Shareholders.
DEAR SIR (OR MADAM),
You may have read of the acquisitions your Company has made during the past six months. In addition to those that were detailed in the Interim Statement, we have now acquired the following premises up to 14th July, 1964
Sefton House, Liverpool	..	..	..	..	..	Leasehold
Cafe Royal, Manchester	. -	. .	. .	. .	. .	Freehold
Britannia, Nottingham ..	..	. .	. .	. .	..	Leasehold
Queen’s Head, Chesterfield	.	. .	.	. .	. .	Leasehold
The Pall, Yeovii . . ..	. .	.	. .	. .	Leasehold
The Old Cricket Players,	Nottingham	..	..	..	Leasehold
The cost of these acquisitions in total was approximately £221,612 of which £160,000 is financed by a short term mortgage secured on two of the properties, and the balance by a short term loan from the Bank. There have been no further Bank borrowings to date. In accordance with the policy of your Board, the leasehold properties alt have unexpired terms of at least 21 years. These properties are being developed as speedily as planning and licensing permissions make it possible.
To indicate the speed of our developments and the number involved, I would like to list hereunder a brief record of developments and openings during the past six months.
The Imperial, Hereford—Steak Bar and 3 Bars.
The Crypt, Dover—cosnplete conversion—2 Restaurants and 5 Bars.
The White Hart, Boston—2 Restaurants and 4 Bars.
The Star, Cheltenham—Gridiron and 2 Bars.
The Imperial Hotel, Stroud—Restaurant and 3 Bars.
The Globe Hotel, King’s Lynn—Gridiron and 3 Bars.
The Catherine Wheel, Henley—2 Restaurants and 4 Bars.
The Rose & Crown, Wisbech—Restanrant and 2 Bars.
The Hawthorns, Bristol—Gridiron.
Monico Grill, Oldham—complete conversion—3 Restaurants and 3 Bars.
The Royal, Long Eaton—complete conversion—2 Restaurants and 5 Bars.
The Fox and Goose, Southport—complete conversion—3 Restaurants and 5 Bars.
The Sawyers Arms, Nottingham—I Restaurant and I Bar.
The County Hotel, Salisbury—2 Restaurants and 2 Bars.
HULL WHITE HOUSE HOTELS LIMITED
As you will also have read in the National Press, your Company has made a successful offer for the whole of the issued share capital of Hull White House Hotels Limited, which we formally acquired on the 30th May this year. I attach to this Statement the Report of our Auditors, Turquand, Youngs & Co., Chartered Accountants, showing the profits of the Group of Companies controlled by Hull White House Hotels Limited and a Statement of the Group’s net assets.
Hull White House Hotels Limited and its subsidiaries own three freehold trading properties in Hull, the White House Hotel, the New York Hotel and Willerby Manor. We have already produced plans for the conversion and improvement of these pre and I have no doubt that the integration of these businesses into your Company will produce an excellent return on the investment involved.
All the freehold premises owned by the Group are shown in thc balance sheet at cost. We are already negotiating for the sale of one of the non trading assets at a figure in excess of the balance sheet value.
The consideration for this acquisition was 100,000 £1 71-% Cu Preference Shares, together with 50,000 1/— B” Ordinary Shares and 50,000 1/— Ordinary Shares to rank pan passu with the existing shares in respect of all future dividends declared.
No Shares in the Group were at any time held by any of the Directors of your Co nor were any shares in your Company held previously by any Directors of the Group.
Turquand, Youngs & Co. have given and have not withdrawn their written consent to the issue of the attached report, in the form and context in which it is included.
Copies of the following documents can be inspected at the offices of Joseph Sebag & Co., 3 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.4, and at the offices of Tnrquand, Youngs & Co., 7 Unity Street, College Green, Bristol, 1., viz.:—
(a) Accountants’ report.
(b) Accountants’ letter of consent.
(c) Statement of adjustments.
(d) Hull White House Hotels accounts for the last two years.
(e) Copy of the original offer document.
We have every reason to believe that the level of current trading and profits of the Group since 31st March, 1963, the date up to which audited accounts have been made up, is not less than that of the preceding period.
In accordance with the policy of the Board, shareholders will be kept fully informed of further developments or acquisitions.
Yours faithfully,
P. N. ROSSE,
Chairman and Managing Director.
The final results included the following Chairman’s report.  It was interesting that both John Gibbs and Alan Bartlett of AIC became directors. Although there were plans for the biggest motel in South Wales it never came to fruition. The growth of Roma Inns and Raberni as associated companies eventually ground to a halt.
REVIEW IN THE ACCOUNTS
This year in addition to the Interim Statement and the Extraordinary General Meeting in April, you have also had a Progress Statement sent to you on July 20th. These, together with regular press releases on the acquisition of new businesses are giving practical effect to the intentions of the Board to keep shareholders as fully informed as possible on the progress of the Company. Yon will not have failed to observe that the Annual General Meeting is six weeks ahead of last year. This is an indication of the efficiency of our administration and accountancy department and they are to be congratulated on their efforts.
The substantial increase in profits for the year under review is as planned and forecast and the target set for the year has been achieved. If you will turn to the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account you will see that the trading profit of the Group has increased from £374,355 to £668,409. This your Board regards as eminently satisfactory and I am sure you will agree with us. This year we have transferred to Revenue Reserve the sum of £95,504.
On turning to the Consolidated Balance Sheet, you will also observe a considerable increase in the Fixed Assets owned by the Group. This year we have differentiated between Freehold and Leasehold property, the former clearly showing the substantial nature of the assets within the Group.
In view of the Capital Expenditure undertaken in Leasehold Property, your Company has adhered to the policy of only accepting Leases where the security of tenure is over a long period. Wherever we acquire such property we endeavour to utilise it to the full to ensure the best and most economic results. This, of course, necessitates considerable investment and can only he justified where a long term lease is involved.
We are still growing under control and with effect and I regard it as a milestone in the Company’s history that in the course of the Financial Year we achieved Trustee status.
The Board recommend a Final Dividend of Ten per cent (10%) less Income Tax which is equal to 20% on the old Capital making the Dividend payment for the year double that of last year.
Board & Personnel
I have pleasure in introducing to you the new Directors appointed during the year. These are Mr. L. J. Gibbs, who brings considerable experience in business and commerce; Mr. C. M. Cockerill, the General Manager, whose able and energetic management has contributed so much to the success of your Company; and Mr. A. F. Bartlett, specialist in co-ordination and finance. These appointments have been made on merit and I a confident that, not only will the Board be strengthened, but that adequate preparation is being made for the succession. This is necessary to ensure the uninterrupted prosperity and growth of your Company. You already know Mr. D. P. Dalton, the Chief Accountant; Mr. D. J. Brookes, the Company Secretary; and Mr. J. L. Trigg, the Property Manager. Since last year Mr. 31. J. Boyle has moved to foster the progress of our London based Associate Company, Raberni Limited. Mr. M. G. N. Jenkinson has joined the Group as Sales Manager. His record of e and success will stand him in good stead in Ins new responsibilities.
Share options
You will have seen in the Notice of Annual General Meeting that it is proposed to ask you to approve the grant of share options to certain employees (including Directors holding executive office) of your Company at the discretion of the Board. The Resolution provides that the total number of Shares put under option shall not exceed 5% of the issued Ordinary and B “ Ordinary Shares of the Company at the date of the Resolution (subject to proportional increase upon any new issue by way of rights or capitalisation) and that the subscription price for the Shares placed under option shall be not less than the middle market quotation for -the Shares on the date when t option is granted (subject to adjustment in the event of any now issue of Ordinary or “B” Ordinary Shares). The options will be granted at a nominal consideration and will not be assignable except (at the discretion of the Board) to dependants of an employee in tile event of his death. Your Board consider that the grant of such options will be a valuable means of ensuring the retention of the Company’s principal executives on whom the progress of the Company depends and of maintaining the interest of these executives in the expansion of the Company. The precise terms of the options (including the period for exercise which will be related in whole or in part to the age of the employee) and the number of Shares in respect of which options will be granted to any one employee will vary according to the employee concerned and your Directors consider it to be in the interest of the Company that these matters should be determined by your Board from time to time at their discretion subject only to the limitations mentioned above.
We believe the principle involved to be sound and to the benefit of all shareholders. Your Company has set a growth record which is truly outstanding. We feel it only equitable and right that Management should participate in the results achieved through their efforts.
The integration of the interests of shareholders and management must ensure the continued success of your Company.
Subsidiary companies
The following subsidiary companies have been formed during time year:
Roma Inns Ltd
Raberni Taverns Limited.
Both are active and will, in time, have a growth momentum of their own.
Acquisitions
Since the Progress Statement of July 20th, the following businesses have been acquired:—
Windmill Hotel, York ...	...	...	...	Leasehold.
Plough, Shirley, Birmingham	...	...	...	Freehold.
White Lion, Exeter ...	...	...	...	Freehold.
Berth’s Steak Bars, Leicester	...	...	...	Freehold.
Milford Arms, Salisbury	...	...	...	Leasehold.
Oriental, Southampton ...	...	...	...	Leasehold.
Florence Tavern,	Kidderminster	...	...	Leasehold.
Coach & Horses. Castleton	...	...	. -.	Leasehold.
Cambrian Hotel, Neath ...	...	. -	...	Leasehold.
Three Lamps, Swansea ...	...	...	...	Leasehold.
Crown, Devonport ...	...	. -	...	Leasehold.
Grand Hotel, Swansea ...	...	...	...	Leasehold.
Development is proceeding apace. During August and September the following will have been completed and opened to the Public.
Pall Tavern, Yeovil.	Complete conversion.	3 Restaurants, 6 Bars.
Globe Hotel, King’s Lynn.	One Bar.
Fish & Quart, Leicester.	Complete conversion.	3 Restaurants, 7 Bars.
Shepherd & Shepherdess, Coventry.	Complete conversion.	2 Restaurants, 4 Bars.
Queen’s Head, Chesterfield.	Complete conversion.	3 Restaurants, S Bars.
Woolpack, Trowbridge.	One Bar.
A mere statement as to the number of Branches cannot give an accurate or adequate picture of the activities of your Company. Each House comprises a number of independent Units. At present, there are approximately 140 Restaurants and 310 Bars and these numbers are increasing monthly.
Your Company has adopted the motto “Berth Inns Make Eating Out a Pleasure “. There has recently been much attention focused on the Catering Industry-. It has been fully appreciated that the changing habits in eating out in this country have provided an opportunity for the efficient caterer to expand its turnover and at the same time, retain it profitability.
It has been stated, most accurately, that the overall market in the catering industry is expanding, and that there is always room for progress at the more efficient end of an industry. Your Company is the pace-setter in the Catering Industry. We are justly proud of our reputation in this respect. We are constantly analysing the trend in the Industry, experimenting with new ideas, and above all, consciously endeavouring to provide the kind of service and standard of preparation which can be enjoyed by customers who are used to a continuing rise in the standard of living. There are still many opportunities ahead of us. We believe that your Company has the capacity to recognise these opportunities, and, what is more important, to employ them to the full. You will see on Page 21 the Lay-out of a typical national advertisement.
With Branches spread over 28 counties and employing over 3,000 staff it is not possible to know and meet all individually but it is our sincere wish, that as a large family, we should know of each other, of each others activities, hopes, and events that colour our lives. To this end, a house journal has made its appearance. It has been appropriately named  INNTALK. The contributors are the staff of Berni Inns wherever located—the Joint Editors, Messrs. W. J. Almond and V. Thynne.
The Board wishes to place on record their appreciation and thanks to the executives, managers and staff of Berni Inns whose loyalty and hard work have ensured another successful year.
1965 31st May year end
The review by the Chairman for that year was:
Since my review in October 1964 the Company, in common with Industry generally, has been problems arising from general economic and political uncertainties. The rising costs of raw materials, labour and general expenses have further increased the necessity for and value of competent management at all levels. There is a real need to seek new techniques and administrative improvements in order that business should remain competitive despite these rising costs. I can confidently say that despite all these difficulties your Company has done, and will continue to do its utmost to maintain its creditable performance.
The Consolidated Trading Profit for the year under review at £866,980 has been achieved despite the heavy increases in costs and the tremendous concentration during the Financial Year on altering, equipping and re-furnishing the Company’s properties. In fact, such expenditure amounted to £858,000. The changes in taxation principles now effective under the Finance Act, 1965 have not adversely affected your Company for the year covered by these Accounts. This is to a large extent due to the policy of your Board over the past few years of ploughing back as much as possible to finance expansion from Company resources. The high dividend cover has placed the Company in a position where the net earnings for the Financial Year under review show a considerable increase as compared with the position which would have resulted had Income Tax and Profits Tax been applicable.
Your Board has decided to provide for Corporation Tax at a rate of 35%. in the event of the rate being fixed at 40%, a further provision of £24,000 will be required.
During the Financial Year we were advised it would be in the Company’s interest to revalue the trading properties. In my Interim Statement of 26th February, 1965, you will have read that this created a capital reserve of £1,752,054, part of which was used for the 1 for 1 Scrip Issue in March last.
Even now, there are a number of properties shown in the Accounts at the purchase consideration plus capital expended thereon. These properties were not trading at the time and therefore it was considered that revaluation of these could not he justifiably undertaken.
The Board recommend a Final Dividend of 7 less Income Tax which together with the Interim Dividend makes a total Dividend payment for the year of l2 on the present share capital.
The Board are continually considering the question of finance commensurate with the requirements of the Company, and to ensure that the Company and its Subsidiaries will have sufficient working capital for their future needs.
Over the twelve months since the last Annual General Meeting the Group have acquired the following properties
Black Bull, York. The Chateau, Nottingham.
Metropole Hotel Stockton. 		Grosvenor Hotel, Bradford.
Grosvenor Hotel, Nottingham. 	Cliff Hotel, Scarborough.
Royal Bell Bromley. 			Marco’s Trattoria, Bristol.
Golden Lion, Bolton. 			Jericho House, Oxford.
Neville Arms, Tunbridge Wells.
During the year no fewer than 35 comprehensive developments and extensions were completed. Making their contribution to this year’s trading are ten Branches opened since lst June, 1965. We are currently operating nearly 200 restaurants and over 400 bars which is an increase of one-third in trading activities since the last Annual General Meeting. Whilst we are now in the process of consolidation, this does not mean that we have stopped developing.
You will have noticed the absence of Willerby Manor from the list of properties. This is one of the freehold premises acquired when the Company took over the Hull White House Group. It was considered that the property value of this particular asset could not be ignored and your Board decided to dispose of it on favourable terms.
Two new subsidiary companies commenced trading during the year, Amand Inns Ltd and Marco’s Trattorie limited. Associate and Subsidiary Companies opened seven new Branches during the course of the rear. We are pleased with their progress and development which indicates that, after absorption of their original costs and expenses, they will contribute to the Group Trading Profits.
Your Company operates some 14 Hotels and at two of these, where extensive alterations have been carried out, it was found that a simplified accounting system would enable us to reduce our operating costs and to pass on the savings to our guests. Arising from this approach we find that substantial streamlining of the traditional methods will enable us to guarantee a minimum standard of service at a competitive price without detriment to the spirit of hospitality associated with the Company’s Sign. As a result, the Mot-Inn system was introduced to the reconstructed Berni Grand at Plymouth and the Berni Royal at Bath. The system has been operating successfully and to the satisfaction of our guests since 1st May this year. Indeed, the management encouraged by the kind comments of our guests to extend the system gradually through the whole of the Group Hotels.
 
 
The year to 31st May 1966
This was the year which Frank Berni predicted that the company would make £1 million pre tax profit. It did. Just by generating £1,000,142. One of the casualties was the absorption of Carpan Inns Ltd and Amand Inns Ltd and the change of Raberni to an associate status all of which reflected a difficult financial picture throughout the country. Carpan Inns was due to return another day in a different format. 
The Chairman’s report
At the Annual General Meeting in October, 1964, I forecast that the Company’s net profit two years hence would be to the order of one million pounds.
It gives me great personal pleasure therefore to present to you the results achieved during the Company’s financial year 1965/66 which show that the Company, despite many unforeseen difficulties, has attained this target. There are two basic reasons for this achievement. First, during the year under review, we decided to consolidate which enabled us to concentrate on bringing into earlier profitable operation the very large number of branches we acquired in the preceding financial year. Secondly, as a direct result of this decision, we have not incurred the exceptional and necessary expenditure which we have in the past experienced through the acquisition and development of branches.
We have also taken the opportunity to streamline our administrative organisation. As an indication of this, we have been successfully using computer bureau services since January 1965. Thus, despite increased costs, both of goods and services, your Company has been able to reach its target and at the same time make significant preparation for the next stage of growth.
As you will have been advised in the preliminary notice in the National Press on August 23rd, 1966, whilst we have achieved this year a gross trading profit of £1,274,519 as against £866,980 for last year, we have been unable to recommend payment of a final dividend. This decision was taken with regret upon recommendation received from the Treasury who were fully advised of the Board’s published intention in March of this year to recommend a total Dividend payment of not less than 15% which intention the Board would certainly have otherwise put into effect. Implementation of this promise was not considered by the Treasury “to be imperative grounds for paying the proposed increase at the present time “.
For administrative reasons, it is proposed to carry forward the .% necessary to equate the total distributions in 1964 /65 and 1965/66 to the interim declaration ia March 1967.
In the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, you will see that depreciation and amortisation continue to rise, due again to the improvements of branches acquired over the past few years. In addition, as I indicated in my Interi Statement of March this year, the Board have decided to appropriate £100,000 from this year’s available funds for the creation of a Repairs Reserve. This decision acknowledges the increasing cost 0 repairs which the Company will face in the coming year.
Turning to the Balance Sheet, you will see again the effects of our consolidation programme. Not only have Revenue reserves increased to £1,304,415 but far more significantly, the net liquidity position of the Group has climbed from £66,322 as at 3Ist May, 1965, to £434,908 at the end of the ‘-ear under review. The Parent Company has therefore been able through its policy and the proceeds of the successful Debenture Issue to eliminate its Bank overdrafts.
I would also like to draw your attention to the very substantial reduction from £347,317 to £26,103 in the commitments for Capital Expenditure of the Group.
A further significant point in the Balance Sheet is the reduction in stock value which has been achieved through improved efficiency in buying and stock control procedures. Generally therefore, the Balance Sheet indicates a very satisfactory position. As always, however, your Board is continuing to xe-assess financial requirements commensurate ‘with the policy of and opportunities presented to your Company.
As far as is known, the close Company provisions of the Finance Act 1965, do not apply to your Company, although we are still awaiting confirmation of the position.
DEVELOPMENTS
Although there has been no increase in the number of houses, it has been a year of tremendous activity. The following Branches have been developed and opened to the public:
1965	July	Nevill Arms, Tunbridge Wells. White Lion, Exeter. Cafe Royal, Manchester(Phase 1).
August	 	Crown, Devonport. Cliff, Scarborough (Phase 1).
September	Jericho House, Oxford. Grosvenor, Bradford.
October	Sefton House, Liverpool.
November	Old Cricket Players, Nottingham.
1966	
March		Golden Lion, Bolton.
May		Cliff, Scarborough (Phase II).
EXTENSIONS
Extensions have been planned and are under way at: Turk’s Head, Cambridge. White House Hotel, Hull. Windmill, York. Plough, Shirley. Golden Lion, Bolton. White Hart, Brentwood.
At the Sawyers Arms, a second Restaurant and another Bar have been opened and a new Bar installed at the Windmill. Phase I of the Grand Hotel, Swansea, was completed and opened on August 11th, whilst at the Hawthorns, Bristol, the Beer Keller has been extremely well received.
ACQUISITIONS
Earlier this year, your Board decided to seek out and acquire further properties suitable for conversion and I am p to inform you that through our Subsidiary, Raberni Taverns Limited, we bought the freehold of the Bodega, Brighton. We have also secured from Whitaker’s Brewery a long Icase on the Boar’s Head, Ilalifax. There are also other negotiations in hand.
There has been a considerable re-organisation of the Group structure. During the year, we purchased the minority holdings in Carpan Inns Limited and Aniand Inns Limited which are now fully-owned subsidiaries. Raberni Limited has absorbed the assets of Raberni Taverns Limited. This Company, a subsidiary of Berni Inns Limited, will now trade as Raberni Taverns Limited.
I am pleased to report further satisfactory progress in both our Associate Companies, Harvey-Berth Projects Limited, and West Country Berni Limited.
7
—continued
Your Company is making strenuous efforts to combat the many problems and difficulties resulting from recent legislation. The loss of Investment Allowances and the Selective Employment Tax are grievous burdens which must, and will, be offset as far as possible by increasing still further the effectiveness of management. In fact, the help of every employee of the Group is being mustered to achieve beneficial and effective action.
In the last issue of INNTALK, the Group’s Magazine, a suggestion scheme was launched with rewards for ideas which call be adopted either locally or generally, to improve any aspect of the Company’s business. Copies are available to Shareholders and their contributions and suggestions will be welcome.
An encouraging start has been made in trading for the year. We are aware that with the Country’s economic difficulties the period ahead is not going to be an easy one. We are in a strong position to challenge the future, and I look forward with confidence to the continued success of your Company.
With the greater part of England and Wales within 25 miles of a Berni inn, we are well advanced towards securing full coverage. Contained in this Report is a map indicating areas where we have not yet established a Branch of your Company. It is our earnest wish that this position should be rectified as early as practicable.
It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of Mr. Bertram Maggs. A well-known citizen of Bristol, he has been a Director since the inception of the Company and a good and loyal comrade to his fellow Directors.
Amongst the many promotions earned by ability and dedication, I am happy to record the appointment of Mr. G. E. Withy to the position of Chief Accountant.
The strength of any organisation lies in its management and staff and I have always been conscious of the good fortune this Group enjoyed in being served by so many loyal employees at all levels.
I know that Shareholders will wish to join with the Board and myself in thanking all Executives, Managers and members of the Staff for their enthusiastic support during the year.
— Extract from “Inntalk” which demonstrates how the financial climate was under pressure in the UK and in business
A Message from the Chairman to the Staff
We live in times of change. The rate of change has accelerated in recent years and there is every indication that this acceleration rate will continue.
The Company has an enviable record of success due, I believe, to the hard work and faithful application and acceptance of the Board’s policies and standards at each of the Company’s nation-wide branches. These policies have sometimes appeared radical departures from accepted or traditional methods. Their validity can be judged by the number of our imitators
In an age when it is fashionable to complain about” bad work “it is with pleasure that I record that we offer a unique high standard of service and value unobtainable even before the war, and we are daily improving this standard.
Much has been written and said lately about productivity—most of it directed at how other people, industries and organisations or nations could or should improve theirs. Productivity, like charity, should start at home. Therefore, in changing times, we should always be seeking to maintain and improve our already high productivity rate by using our materials, resources, premises and skills to the best advantage.
Iris our Company’s policy to operate on a low gross profit margin and we depend on a large number of customers in order to obtain a satisfactory return on the high capital investment. While the highest standards of quality, cooking and personal service are vital parts of the Company’s policy, the selling prices are almost as important.
This year, as in the past, we have had to bear an annual rise in overhead expenses and material costs. Practically every service and commodity we buy has risen in price, except perhaps for paper napkins which we now buy by the million, not the thousand
The bulk of these costs we have been able to absorb by improved management methods and increased business efficiency, and credit for this success is due to the team spirit and resourcefulness of staff at all levels in the application of these refinements.
The Company is proud that it is able to pay its employees rates in excess of the Catering Wages Order minimum and has effectively raised the pay of its catering staff above rite status of the majority of distributive workers—this despite the erosion of its narrow profit margins.
We are faced in early September with the Selective Employment Tax which will levy fro the Company a weekly tax on each employee of 25/— for men and 12/6 for women, irrespective of working hours. Expressed as an annual rate it is £65 for a man and £32. l0d. for a woman. This will cost the Company directly £150,000 for a full year. Our suppliers of goods and services will have a similar problem and will, we believe, be obliged to pass on their increased costs to us. The extent of this increase is at present not known, but could ‘veil be of the same order. This vast sum of money is to he met by either a saving in our operating costs or an increase in the volume of our business or both, if we are not to increase our selling prices to recover these costs.
I believe that if we pass on all the SET, costs to our patrons we will adversely affect the volume of customers we serve. The remaining patrons would therefore have to bear an even greater proportion of the normal overheads if we are to provide the reserves necessary to stay in business.
Many of the valuable improvements in service and working methods adopted in recent years have been contributed by our managers, staff and patrons. I propose, therefore, to recognise this invaluable asset by launching a “ Productivity Scheme full details of which are set out in this supplement to InnTalk , so that the ingenuity, interest and skill of all the Company’s employees can be harnessed to help rise Board to maintain the Company’s reputation for outstanding value for money and its productivity record. We are therefore postponing a final decision on the vital matter of prices until we have thoroughly investigated every possible means of keeping our selling prices down.
A” Productivity Committee” formed by members of the Group Board has been convened, and suggestions from any member of the Company’s staff touching upon any aspect of the Company’s business will be considered by this Committee. Each will be considered on its merits and will be personally acknowledged by me.
The “Productivity Committee “will be a permanent body. Its function will be continuous. Its effectiveness, however, will depend upon the quality and the number of suggestions it receives from you. The Committee will have powers through me and the correct management channels, to implement suggestions immediately.
A suggestion scheme which invites improvements to working methods, procedures and trading aspects presupposes that all concerned will be as will g to adopt other people’s ideas as they are to suggest improvements. I know I can count upon your willing co-operation in this.
All suggestions and ideas will be acknowledged, considered and. if suitable, tested and put to work. Those adopted will qualify for an award of Premium Bond prizes of £5 with up to £50 for outstanding contributions, depending on the originality and value of the idea. -
ACCOUNTS YEAR 1967
This was perhaps the beginning of an era when “marketing” started to drive the company in the wrong direction. Gone was the prime principle of short menus an good control and in came a greater variety of menus which I believe was detrimental.  “Marketing” was in my view a force which undermined the company. Also this was about the time when Frank Berni became non resident and moved to Jersey. Not a big problem but perhaps the writing was on the wall.
BERNI INNS LIMITED
I
REVIEW by the Chairman
The early part of the year was one of continued consolidation arising from our decision in the preceding year to the Expansion Programme. I am sure Shareholders appreciate the wisdom of the Company’s policy in this direction. The determination to absorb wherever practicable the increased costs of SET., loss of investment allowances and further inflation in the economy generally has met with considerable success; the targets set at the beginning of the year have been achieved.
I am also happy to report the very satisfactory progress made by our subsidiaries, Raberni Taverns Ltd. and Roma Inns Ltd. and to acknowledge their valued contribution in effort and profit to the Group. Following the success of these Companies our intention is to extend this type of operation.
Accounts and Dividends
Your Company has again achieved record profits. The profit before taxation has increased by 25% to £1,247,829 a— the profit after taxation has increased by 15% to £766,815. Minority shareholders’ interests and gross preference dividends account for £55,816 and £39,375 respectively and this leaves an amount available for distribution to ordinary shareholders of £671,624.
You will remember that last year we were restrained by the Treasury from paying total ordinary dividends of (an increase of 2 as promised). In fact 12% was paid and % carried forward for administrative purposes. This year we have paid two interim dividends totalling 13% and have recommended a final dividend of 5%. The total ordinary dividends will be covered 3.8 times by earnings.
You will see from the group balance sheet that ordinary shareholders’ funds have increased by £472,610 to £3,585,471 and that the capital employed has increased by £523,121 to £5,365,751. I would draw your attention to the fact that at 31st May, 1967 freehold and leasehold property and net liquidity (including quoted investments) represented approximately 56% and 18% of the total capital employed. This strong financial position suitably demonstrates the long term potential of your Company. Net liquidity at 31st May, 1967 of over £950,000 together with the anticipated subsequent cash flow, will be sufficient to finance the major expansion programme envisaged. The strong liquid position is further enhanced by unsecured bank overdraft facilities and the relatively low level of borrowings by the Group.
Close Company provisions of the Finance Act 1965 do not apply to your Company.
£5 Million Five-Year Expansion Programme
Our advertising  campaign to implement this programme has brought a deluge of offers, and every care has been taken to negotiate only for those properties which would justify the expenditure on acquisition and development. Initialy, new acquisitions do not contribute but rather detract from the Company’s profits, so that the overall growth will not be seen until later. Our considerable experience will enable the Company to reduce the time and cost involved in designing, obtaining licensing and planning permissions, quotations and effecting the necessary alterations, but in view of the substantial programme, these factors should not be under-estimated.
The reputation of the Company as a growth organisation is advantageous to the Company and Shareholders alike.
We are leaders in our field of operations and continuous research and study will keep us ahead. Consider able attention is being given to maintenance and when redecoration takes place, new ideas and improvements are incorporated. It is a purposeful and necessary expenditure.
During the year: 
The Roar’s Head, Halifax was fully developed and opened.
The Posada, Brighton. This freehold property, formerly the Bodega, was fully developed and opened.
Further extensions have been made at sixteen of the Company’s branches, adding new departments and improving the facilities for the growing clientele. In addition, during the year the Group has acquired the follow ing premises: Norton, Sheffield (phase 1 completed and opened).
Falcon, Lincoln (fully developed and opened since the year end).
Queens Hotel, Burton-on-Trent.
Town Hall Tavern, Wolverhampton.
Since 31st May, 1967, the Group has negotiated the acquisition of: Irongates Tavern, Derby (freehold)
Silver Grill, Bedford.
The Feathers, Ealing.
The Cameron, Darlington.
Limmers, lpswich.
Jacomelli’s, Leeds (freehold)
In most of the above, licensing and planning perm have been secured and on many of them the actual conversion has started. All are located in tm. s here we have not been represented.
Shareholders’ Participation
During the past year, every opportunity has been taken to ask Shareholders for their advice and comments on the service and facilities offered to customers by the Company. There has been a tremendous response which has been very helpful indeed. We hope this will continue and the Company will take advantage of its unique position whereby Shareholders can participate in the promotion of its efficiency to the satisfaction of its customers.
It gives me pleasure to enclose with this Report a voucher for 15!-, which can be redeemed in part payment for a meal for yourself and a guest at any of the Company’s Branches. I hope you will enjoy your visit to a
5
Berni Inn and I would esteem it a personal favour if you would record your impressions on the attached pre-paid card would not only be of the greatest interest to me but would assist us in our constant efforts to improve our operation.
Future Prospects
Despite the strongest efforts being made by the Company to combat the many problems resulting from recent legislation, it would be unwise to under-estimate the current economic uncertainties and the fact that almost without notice we may have legislation which can adversely affect the progress of the Group. The Training Levy and increased N.H.I. contributions, for example, will erode profits. Other operating costs are rising. We have the situation constantly under review to minimise the effects wherever possible through positive planning action. I am confident that your Company will continue to progress—and grow—and justify the confidence Shareholders.
Personnel and Staff
I want to tell you of the measures taken to ensure the smooth progress in the growth of your Company. We have divided the Country into two regions and are forming two Companies responsible for the growth of sales. These are Berni  Northern Ltd and Berni  Southern Ltd.
The appointment of Managing Directors to spearhead each Company will be announced in due course. To s the guidance and help from Head Office, Mr. M. A. Bogod has been appointed to head research and Mr. R. A. Barlow as Financial Controller.
This year I want to place particular emphasis on acknowledging the contribution made by executives, managers and all members of the staff at branches and Headquarters, and to thank them most heartily for their loyal co-operation and hard work during the year. Shareholders, I know, will endorse these sentiments. Ours is a service business. Our success depends as much on the manner in which the service is provided as on its provision. The willing, cheerful, helpful way our staff discharge their duties is an asset which has grown with the Company.
Year ended 31st May 1968
This was the year in which the concept of co-ownership companies was born. Also enter another firm of consultants, Boose Allen Hamilton and Partners. With these consultants the company was about to go down a path from which in my view it would never recover. 
BERNI INNS LIMITED
Review by the Joint Chairmen
In the life of a company as progressive as ours, certain aspects and events in any given year give that year a special character. This year is no exception.
You will find the accounts and the notes supporting the accounts include more information than ever before. These will be dealt with later. First we want to refer to the matters which give the year 1967/68 its special character.
The introduction of the breathalyser in October last caused a temporary setback to our business, the financial effect of which will be referred to when dealing with the accounts. The direct and indirect effect of the foot and mouth epidemic upon the supply of the prime quality beef, which is a vital part of your Company’s business, caused us many headaches. We were more fortunate than most in that we had made long-term buying contracts. Despite these setbacks, we are happy to report that your Company has continued to make satisfactory progress.
The £5 million five year expansion programme has been launched most successfully. We have no doubt that in time it will be exceeded and we are confident that the reputation of your Company as a growth company with a high price/earnings ratio for its shares is fully justified.
We have continued to invest in management and we are now well equipped to handle and, indeed, exploit our considerable potential. We look forward to the future with enthusiasm and optimism.
Accounts and Dividends
Record profits have again been achieved but we have calculated that we would have made over £100,000 additional pre-tax profit if it had not been for the factors outside our control mentioned above, the impact of which was particularly severe in the three month period immediately following the introduction of the breathalyser. Net earnings have also been adversely affected by an increase in the rate of Corporation Tax from 40% to 42.5%
The profit for the year before taxation was £1,415,000 (1967 £1,248,000) and the profit after taxation as £822,000 (1967: £759,000). Ordinary Shareholders earnings have increased from £664,000 to £721,000.
It has been decided to recommend a Final Dividend of 8% less Income Tax on the Ordinary Shares and 2’ Ordinary Shares of the Company, making a total of 18% for the year. The total ordinary dividends will be covered 4.1 times by earnings and the retained profits of the Company will be well used in the profitable development and expansion of the business to the advantage of shareholders. Government legislation has prevented your Board pursuing the idea of giving Shareholders the option of taking a scrip issue of shares instead of receiving cash dividends as mentioned in the Interim Statement dated 29th February, 1968. 
You will recall that the Interim Statement emphasized that we would be investing in management. These additional costs have been charged against the profit of the year although most of the corresponding benefits will not be derived until the current year.
The high level of net liquidity which at 31st May, 1968 was £1,002,000 together with the unsecured bank overdraft facilities which are available, place the Company in an extremely advantageous position especially at this time of Government imposed credit squeeze.
During the year £942,000 has been spent on development of existing branches, purchase of properties, both freehold and with long leases, and the development of new branches. In addition, there has been the continuous day1o-day expenditure on maintenance and redecoration of our existing businesses which we consider is vital.
Expansion Programme
In the Interim Statement, we listed 15 new branches acquired s the 1st June, 1967. Seven of these have now been fully converted and re-opened. With the remainder, the first development phase has been, or is about to be, completed.
We continue to concentrate on well located sizeable premises in cities and large towns, and since the Interim Statement, to date we have acquired the following leasehold properties: Tredegar Arms, Newport.
Wagon & Horses, Birmingham.
Crown, Maidenhead.
Criterion, Cardiff.
Minorca, Wigan.
Wedgwood, Northampton.
Criterion, Chester.
White Swan, Birmingham.
Berni Steak Bar, Oxford Street, London W1.
Berni Steak Bar, Norwich
Tudor Tavern, Manchester.
“Old No.12”, Sheffield.
Red Lion, Doncaster.
and the following freehold property :-
Berni Steak Bar, Kingston-upon Thames.
We would be glad to learn from shareholders of any premises suitable for acquisition and development by the Company.
Shareholders’ Participation
We should like to express appreciation and thanks for our shareholders’ co-operation in recording their impressions of their visits to a Berni Inn following the Voucher which accompanied the interim dividend.
Much useful information was received from the thousand replies and it is with pleasure that once again a voucher for 15/- is enclosed, which can be redeemed in part payment of a meal for yourself and a guest at any of the Company’s branches. We expect and we like shareholders to be critical; therein lies their help, and we look forward to your comments on the pre-paid card attached.
Co-ownership Companies
Following the continued success of our two principal subsidiary companies, Raberni Taverns Limited and Roma Inns Limited, we have extended this type of operation by inaugurating a unique type of co-ownershipcompany which has  provided a great opportunity for the fulfilment of management initiative within our  organisation. These companies are listed on page 19 and we believe that under the expert management of the managing directors of these companies, the expansion of the Group will be accelerated and therefore benefit
Management
The Board will appoint Mr. R. A. Barlow and Mr. M. A. Bogod Executive Directors, subject to the passing of the Special Resolution to amend the Company’s Articles of Association at the Annual General Meeting.
a should like to welcome Mr. C. W. Boswell and Mr. J. Halstead  as Managing Directors of the two newly formed operating sales companies, Berni Southern Limited and Berni Northern Limited respectively.
Future Prospects
The current trading position is very satisfactory and there is a substantial increase in profits. We believe that we have overcome the difficulties experienced during the year but the breathalyser legislation is undoubtedly preventing us from achieving our full sales potential. However, the penal and arbitrary SET, increase of 50% from the 2nd September, 1968 cannot, on this occasion, be absorbed by increased efficiency or internal economies. Unhappily, this is not the only cost increase which faces us. Positive action in the shape of improved operating techniques, methods and controls have been introduced to minimise the effect of these costs, and we are continuously studying our operating procedures to eliminate waste and inefficiency.
The first year in any enterprise or expansion programme is the most difficult. We have now built up our management team and organisation. The pattern of growth of acquisition and development of new properties and the full utilization of existing branches has been set. We have an exceptionally capable, young and enthusiastic team and the pace established this year will be maintained and, where opportunity offers, increased.
Provided the current satisfactory trend continues and subject to unforeseen circumstances, we confidently expect to achieve in the current year, a much greater rate of increased profitability than we have achieved in the year under review. New developments are beginning to make a valuable contribution to profits as the expansion rate accelerates, we are confident that ordinary shareholders’ earnings will increase substantially.
We are also exploring the possibilities of extending our operations abroad including the U.S.A. and will be ready to take advantage of any profitable venture which may present itself.
Staff
During the past five years the number of full and part-time employees in the Group has more than doubled and now stands at 4,600. We are deeply conscious of how much we depend on them for our success and know that shareholders will wish to join in thanking them for their splendid effort. We should like to pay particular tribute to the Directors of all Companies in the Group and to the Managers of our branches for the excellent results they have achieved in the face of many frustrations and problems.
FRANK BERNI
PAUL N. ROSSE
9th September, 1968
YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 1969
The final year. In the next financial year the company is taken over by GMH. 
The following was the Chairman’s Report for 1969
Review by the Chairman
This year your Company comes of age. It is therefore perhaps especially gratifying that, in its 21st year, it has continued the trend of achieving substantial profit increases every year. (Comparisons for the last seven shown on page 18). “Management Today” recently nominated your Company as top of the British Es e Growth League 1969. A growth rating of 11,340% over ten years is indeed a challenging pace to set, we stil have plenty of breath and later in my review you will see a list of new acquisitions and recently opened branches.
In the Interim Statement sent to Shareholders on February 12, 1969, it was indicated that the rate of increase in profits would not be maintained during the second half year. Such has been the case. The second - year has borne the full impact of the 50% increase in SET. together with two increases in duty on alcoholic drinks, and we have been obliged to meet certain of our training expenses (f24,000) which we had expected to recover from the Training Board. In addition, there have been anticipated and inevitable costs in connection with the expansion programme, both in relation to management re-organisation, which is still proceeding, and the acquisition and development of further premises. The tangible benefits of these costs cannot, of course, acme until the new organisation achieves maximum effectiveness and the new branches become fully operational and profitable.
Accounts and Dividends
The profit for the year before taxation amounted to £1,632,000 (1968: £1,420,000) and profit after taxation amounted to £908,000 (1968: £822,000). The trading period for the year was 52 weeks (1968:53 weeks).
Your Board has decided to recommend a final dividend of 8.5% less Income Tax on the Ordinary Shares and “B” Ordinary Shares of the Company, making a total of 18.5% for the year (1968—18%). The total ordinary dividends are covered 4.2 times by earnings.
There is a significant increase in earnings per share, though it would have been better still had we not been obliged to suffer the retrospective increase of 2 in Corporation Tax.
You will see that turnover increased by nearly £2 million and I am pleased to say that the contribution from branches for the year was very satisfactory,
The continued high liquidity will ensure that resources are available to finance the expansion programme envisaged.
Management
I have pleasure in welcoming Mr. Eric Williamson to your Company as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive. We have given a great deal of thought to this vitally important appointment and I have every confidence that Mr. Williamson’s contribution to the affairs of your Company will prove both positive and profitable.
At the same time, Mr. P. N. Rosse has been appointed President and relinquished his functions of Joint Chairman and Joint Managing Director. I cannot speak too highly of his most distinguished record of achievement in helping the Company to attain its phenomenal growth, and I am very glad that in his new role, his great drive and experience will continue to be concentrated on the progress of the Company. As you know, the continuity and appropriate development of the policies which have been the mainspring of the Company’s success have had the active attention of the Directors for the past two years. It is now time to delegate more authority and responsibility to the young men who have demonstrated their dedication and ability to further the interests of your Company. Mr. Williamson, together with our able and enthusiastic young management team will take up the challenge of the future, building on the sound experience of the past, to accomplish our current ambitious expansion programme and to continue our search for new and profitable opportunities.
We know from past experience that periods of re-organisation are necessary if we are to cope successfully with continuous and increasingly intensive development. Equally, we know that these periods of combined expansion and re-structuring impose considerable strain on our administration and are very likely to affect overall profitability in the short term. But the Board is convinced that your Company’s momentum will be maintained and that this investment in re-organisation is an investment in the future that must be made.
4
Expansion Programme — Acquisitions
Since the Interim Statement, we have acquired or anticipate acquiring shortly 17 new properties. Some are already in the hands of the builders and all will have been taken over by the end of 1969.
These are:
Athenaeum, Leeds
Gatwick Manor, Gatwick
8/10 Exchange Street Norwich
Roman Room, Sheffield
6/8 Market Street, Leicester
The Hutt, Mansfield
The Nassau, Nassau Street Dublin
and premises in:
Glasgow
Levenshulme
Luton
Marl ow
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Nottingham
Sheffield
Southampton
Stratford-on-Avon
Sutton
Amongst the major developments, application for planning permission has been made for a 300 room motel at Gatwick Manor and we are actively progressing plans for the first phase to open during the summer of 1970, providing, of course, that planning consents are promptly secured.
Expansion Programme — Openings
Since theist June, 1968, 24 new branches have been opened to the public as Semi Inns. In 1968/69,
Wagon & Horses, Birmingham
Marco’s Tavern, Bristol
Berni Steak Bar, Cambridge
Bull & Crown, Chingford
Cameron, Darlington
Limmers. Ipswich
Jacomelli’s, Leeds
Albany, Liverpool
Queen’s Royal, New Brighton
Tredegar Arms, Newport
Semi Steak Bar, Norwich
Semi Steak Bar, 185 Oxford
The Criterion, Shrewsbury
Thorps Tavern, Southport
During the current financial year,
The White Swan, Birmingham
The Criterion, Cardiff
The Criterion, Chester
The Red Lion, Doncaster
The Crooked Billet, Iver
Bemni Steak Bar. Kingston-on-Thames
The Crown, Maidenhead
The Mitre, Oxford
Old No. 12, Sheffield
Minorca, Wigan
Street, London
‘
Shareholders’ Participation
Many shareholders have given valuable assistance to management by using the vouchers included with the Interim Statement, and by sending us their comments and criticisms. We find this a very rewarding exercise, and we now call on your valuable help once again. Vouchers and pre-paid reply cards are enclosed. I should like to thank all those who have helped us in this way over the past year.
Co-ownership Companies
The contribution and results of the four new Co-ownership Companies established during this year are already very encouraging. Our re-organisation will place added responsibilities on their Managing Directors, who, I am sure, will justify the confidence which has given them a unique opportunity to further both the rapid growth of your Company and their own careers.
Our concept of Co-ownership provides a vehicle of great promise for furthering the growth and profitability of your Company, in which each Co-ownership Company has a significant part to play.
It is recognised that there is a general rule in catering that returns tend to diminish when outlets spread beyond the scope of personal supervision. This is not the case with your Company which has expanded vigorously, but always in a deliberate and controlled manner. Even from the earliest days, control has been maintained at all stages. Close supervision has been strengthened by the development of the Co-ownership Company, which maintains this essential factor of success.
Future Prospects
Prospects are always difficult to predict when many substantial factors that can affect our trading are beyond our control. But I am confident that the future growth of your Company is assured and in this Review, I have concentrated particularly on plans for expansion. Your Company is fundamentally strong and progressive, fully equipped to take advantage of its opportunities and to take the costs and the inevitable problems in its stride.
In the past year we have firmly established a foothold in Ireland, where substantial growth is envisaged. Plans are in hand to move into Scotland. We are concentrating in England and Wales on areas of high density population, with special attention to the Greater London area and important towns in the Home Counties. The Directors are confident that a further increase in the Company’s profit for 1969/70 will be achieved.
Staff
The Company now employs well over 4,000 people. We recognise and are indebted to them for their loyalty and for the friendly rivalry between branches which management fosters and rewards through a variety of incentive schemes.
We acknowledge, and thank them all most sincerely for their splendid efforts and success during the past year.
FRANK BERNI
8th September 1969
BERNI INNS LIMITED	/
Group Structure
PARENT COMPANY	BERNI INNS LTD.
WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES	Managing Directors
Berni Northern Ltd.	Regional Sales	J. Halstead
Berni Southern Ltd.	,,	C. J. Pearce
Berm Services Ltd.	Group Services M.A.Bogod
-D. J. Brookes
PRINCIPAL TRADING SUBSIDIARIES
Raberni Taverns Ltd.	50	G. Rabaiotti
Roma Inns Ltd.	51%	Mario Berni
Marco’s Trattorie Ltd.	51%	Marco Semi
CO-OWNERSHIP SUBSIDIARIES
(Profit participation only’
Carpan Inns Ltd.	100%	G. L F. Carpanini
*Clayton Inns Ltd.	100%	Clayton Love, Jnr.
County Taverns Ltd.	1 00%	B. Carpanini
Deegan Inns Ltd.	1000	C. J. Deegan
Jenkinson Taverns Ltd.	51%	M. N. Jenkinsori
Kabler Inns Ltd.	51%	J. L. Kabler
Marcantoni Hotels Ltd.	63%	C. Marc-Antonio
Reeve Taverns Ltd.	51°	0. A. Reeve
Sidoli Taverns Ltd.	50%	D. Sidoli
Webb Taverns Ltd.	51%	G V. Webb
ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
Harvey-Berni Projects Ltd.	50%
West Country Berni Ltd.	50%
*Note Incorporated in the Republic of Ireland. Not operative prior to 31st May, 1969. There are a/so certain wholly owned subsidiary Companies not included in the above list 
Final comment. 
Williamson was very against Co-Ownership companies and used all his efforts to dispose of them  at the lowest possible cost, but Carpan Inns and Sidoli were not easy meat because of the close family ties.  Yes there were dangers that could evolve from their success but this was accentuated by Berni beginning to lose its way under the new management. Williamson was a “marketing” man. I believe that once Williamson had secured the sale of  Berni to GMH the concepts, style and principles on which Berni had been founded were lost forever to the new egos. Over the following five years the company came increasingly under the grip of the “Group” direction which feathered nests and egos. The loss of people like Rosse, Cockerill, and even Barlow and Bartlett made Berni unstable and destined to come to and end eventually most being sold to Beefeater [Whitbread] and this was I believe sealed by the death of C W Boswell. Eventually Harvey Berni and West Country Berni were disassembled. 
A B JACOBS FCCA  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Brian Jacobs (talk • contribs) 11:43, 8 February 2011 (UTC)
thread_title:  History of Berni and extracts from annual accounts to 1968 

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message: If each Berni Inn location had a "more expensive section" it should be explained elsewhere in the article. Generally, restaurants don't have "sections" with different prices. If this means each location had both dine-in and take-away sections, it should specifically say so. Matuko (talk) 23:17, 28 July 2020 (UTC)
thread_title: More expensive section