August sales up 3.2% led by London

August sales up 3.2% led by London

This month, overall sales were up 3.2% compared to last year, led by a strong August for London, according to the latest S4labour sales data. 

The Capital saw a solid increase of 9.9% across the board, with food and drink sales up 12% and 8.7% respectively.   

Non-London saw a 4.7% increase in food, but drink sales dropped by 0.7% compared to last year.  

Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, Richard Hartley, said: “Despite a wet August, it is promising to see growth on last year and healthier numbers compared to last month, which saw only a slight increase of 1.4% in like-for-like sales. Outside of London, and particularly in more rural areas, it is likely that less people were going out to drink in pubs this month because of the bad weather. Nevertheless, the increase in food sales across the UK will go some way to offsetting inflation.”  

Women’s World Cup Final Boosts Pub Sales

Women’s World Cup Final Boosts Pub Sales

Although the Lionesses didn’t bring it home, they certainly brought in some sales, with figures telling a story of celebration.  

Despite the early start, last Sunday saw the Women’s World Cup final drive a 10% increase in drink sales when compared to same day the previous week, according to the latest sales data from S4labour.  

It is estimated around 2.6 million Brits headed to the pub to watch the game, splashing out on beverages to celebrate England being in a World Cup final for the first time since 1966.  

It’s brilliant to see that the Women’s team won hearts on the field, with a positive ripple effect on local businesses. Here’s to the unstoppable spirit of football and the communities that come together to celebrate it! 

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Finance

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Location: Banbury
Job Type: Part Time
Salary: Competitive salary
Date added: Aug 2023
Application Deadline: ASAP

Job Purpose

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Supervisor to join our busy Finance team. This is a progressive role and the right candidate will continue to develop until they are completing all essential core finance tasks for the department.

Role description

  • Ownership of the Purchase Ledger and daily treasury functions
  • Reconcile bank and credit card accounts to accounting systems
  • Accounting tasks; month-end accruals and prepayments journals, ad-hoc reporting and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Take ownership, maintain and report employee expenses
  • Monitor cashflow and monthly subscription costs and carry out variance analysis
  • Take ownership of VAT submissions
  • Contribute to the data structuring to ensure the best information is provided within analysis
  • Additional ad hoc duties – flexibility is required
  • Assist the CEO in producing his monthly expense claims

A few key essentials

    • At least three years’ experience in an accounts department and preferable AAT or equivalent qualification
    • Proficient in the use of MS Office. Good knowledge of Excel is essential
    • A working knowledge of UK VAT legislation

      key competencies and personal qualities

        • Be pro-active with strong communication skills (up to C suite level)
        • Continually look to help improve processes and operations within the department and not be afraid to challenge existing work practices and suggest new ways to work
        • Have a strong sense of prioritisation and take ownership of tasks
        • Confidentiality and discretion are essential

        Remuneration

          • This is a part time office-based role with negotiable hours Monday – Friday.
          • Competitive salary dependent on experience (pro-rata).
          • Pension, life assurance and private medical cover after successful completion of probation period
          • 25 days holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro-rata)

          Our hiring process

            • Stage 1: a 10 minute phone conversation where we find out a bit more about you and you us
            • Stage 2: a 1 hour face-to-face/remote interview, with a short task
            • Final stage candidates will undertake some form of testing, be that psychometric/personality testing. This will be for us to better understand how we ensure we develop you to your full potential

            S4labour is committed to building a brilliant team that is inclusive in its culture, and values diversity. We strive for equality of opportunity in all that we do and actively encourage applicants from all groups and backgrounds to apply for this role.

            To apply please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you think that you would be a great part of the S4labour Team to recruitment@staging.s4labour.co.uk

            London year-on-year sales ahead in July, non-London sees a decline

            London year-on-year sales ahead in July, non-London sees a decline

            In July, hospitality sales saw an overall year-on-year increase of 1.4%, the latest S4labour data reports.

            Food sales were responsible for this slight growth, with an increase of 5.8%, whereas drink sales were down 2.0% compared to last year. 

            London fared much better than the rest of the country, seeing sales 2.9% ahead of 2022, whilst non-London experienced a decline of 4.3%. 

            Richard Hartley, Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, commented: “July has been a much slower month than we would have liked, as sales have likely suffered due to bad weather, with less people going out for drinks throughout the month. Though these numbers indicate growth, they still lag behind inflation levels. However, as we move into August, we are hopeful that the summer holidays, as well as the bank holiday, will help towards offsetting this.” 

            June sales see a 7.8% increase led by London

            June sales see a 7.8% increase led by London

            Sales figures

            In June hospitality sales saw the highest year-on-year increase so far in 2023 with a 7.8% uplift, according to the latest S4labour data.  

            This spike is largely due to London sales, which were 15.7% ahead of 2022 levels, whilst non-London saw an uplift of 6.0%.  

            Food and drink were split fairly evenly outside of London, with 6.2% and 5.9% year-on-year growth respectively. The capital was driven by a 16.2% increase in drink sales, with food sales growth sitting just below that at 14.9%.  This comes after temperatures were consistently high throughout June, reaching 32 degrees in some parts of England. It’s likely many spent a great deal of time outdoors, enjoying food and drinks in pubs and restaurants.  

            Chief Growth Officer at S4labour, Richard Hartley, commented: “In line with rising temperatures, this is what we would expect to see as this June was the hottest to date. This quarter has seen solid growth on 2022 sales, with April at 3.3% and May at 2.7%. As we move into the second half of the year, good weather and holidays should continue to work towards offsetting inflation and rising interest rates.”