Colin Toner

Irish in London. 28+ years in hospitality. Combining hands-on industry experience with digital media & app development. Creator of StaffRoom & Free of Tie .com

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Want to introduce you all to Free of Tie

https://t.co/9cXQ42uyPA is something I've wanted to put together for a while. With over 28 years' service in the #pub trade, I've seen how difficult things have become for independent freehouses and #micropubs. While tied publicans often have access to advice and support from their brewery or pub co, independent operators are often left to find their own way.

There are some fantastic trade publications and resources out there, but finding the time to trawl through them all isn't easy when you're busy running a pub.

The idea behind #FreeOfTie is simple: bring useful industry news, practical advice and helpful resources together in one place, with properly sourced information so you can check the facts and make your own mind up.

So, what will you find on https://t.co/9cXQ42uyPA?

-- Pub trade news: The stories that matter to independents, from beer duty and VAT to business rates, licensing and energy costs.

-- Free tools: Starting with our Gross Profit Calculator, helping you work out selling prices and margins across your bar.

-- Practical advice: Covering pub management, staffing, suppliers and keeping your margins healthy.

-- Industry stories: News and experiences from freehouses, micropubs and independent bars across the UK.

But we want to be more than just another trade website. We want #publicans to get involved. If you run a free-of-tie pub, #freehouse or micropub, or you're thinking about taking one on, we'd love to hear from you.

Tell us what's happening in your area, what's working, what's causing problems or what you'd like us to cover.

Have a story, a new opening or a supplier worth knowing about? Get in touch.

The more people who contribute, the more useful the site becomes for everyone. So give us a follow, share the page with others in the trade and let us know what you think.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,

Colin 🍻

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Are you a #Publican / #BarManager? With another duty increase on the way next year, now is a good time to review your prices and protect your margins. Use our free Gross Profit Calculator at https://t.co/hcK3t5lKJD and make sure your prices are where they need to be.

[Free of Tie.com @freeoftie]

Duty and wholesale costs increased this year, and another duty rise is coming in 2027; it's time to review your margins. Stay ahead and price your bar correctly with our free GP Calculator.

https://t.co/4KNWznbUF6

#freeoftie #gpcalculator #pubs #margins #duty #ukpubs

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@evansandpayne The extra relief help, but with the wage rise and duty next year, I reckon most locals will see it swallowed pretty quick. Better than nothing though

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@HospitalityBan @tomcollinsworcs Unfortunately, this is going to be a familiar story across the country. Highlights how completely out of touch the government is with the realities facing small independent businesses. Disgrace.

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@NorthIrishSea That’s definitely one to check out, was never fond of drinking in Canterbury though

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@PubsSaving Had a drink in it many a time, absolutely stunning pub!

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@JeremyVineOn5 Tone deaf is right and I can guarantee you he never paid for that pint either.

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

They increase the minimum wage thinking they're doing the right thing, but do nothing to help businesses absorb the knock-on costs. Costs go up, prices go up, customers stay away and eventually staff get laid off. How is that helping anyone in the long run? As Dave says, absolutely clueless.

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Great article, and Rav is absolutely right. It's always those further down the line who take the hit. Everyone supports raising the minimum wage, but the knock-on effects of higher wages and rising operating costs create a vicious circle, making it harder and harder for businesses to keep their doors open.

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Perfect!

[Channel 4 @Channel4]

Every girl deserves a Granda like Joe to guide them through life. What a guy 🥺

@SaoirseJackson #DerryGirls

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Love it

[Dundalk Photos @Dundalk_Photos]

Tonights sunset on the Point Road, #dundalk #LouthChat

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@6townsrunner @Haggis_UK I think he's earned that wall of fame!

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

https://t.co/6kYMX1Qu05 - Saw Doctors were well ahead of their time promoting this man.

Uachtarán na hÉireann

#presidentofireland

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@AskSmythsToys What is company policy with regards to accepting Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes?

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

#covid #ireland #hospitality

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

40% of the Irish population vaccinated, a majority of those belonging to the high-risk category, and still, an unelected civil servant @CMOIreland still feels he needs to punish an industry that employs over 200,000 people #Disgraceful

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

This is a disgrace.

Please, release the science behind this decision.

#joke.

LIVE updates as Irish government set to announce if indoor dining will reopen https://t.co/nqRlEquaQA

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

@jamesrogersie Stat master strikes again 👍

[Colin Toner @ColinToner10]

Will never pay to hear Van again. And then to top it all off he shakes hands with a bigot. Fuck that. #NorthernIreland #VanMorrison

[Stephen Nolan @StephenNolan]

This is Extra ordinary .