Brian and Marion Eccles have been running the Cock Inn for two years having moved from a smaller pub nearby. Before Brian embarked upon this career path he worked his way up from a telecommunications engineer to senior management for T-mobile.
When they took over the Cock Inn Brian and Marion described it as “a good business with lots of ideas”. They actually knew the person who was running the pub before it became available and they believed it would be an excellent opportunity for them to move into a more food led pub.
Brian and Marion have concentrated on improving customer relations by direct customer marketing, they also ensure new and existing customers have a great experience in the Cock Inn. This is done by greeting every customer when they arrive at the pub, they also work hard to make sure each consumer is served to the best of their ability.
“The three most important things to remember when running your own business are you customer relations skills; if you’re not people minded then don’t do it! You must also keep staff morale high, a happy team will stand out to the consumers. Finally, quality is vital, people don’t mind paying that extra bit more if they feel that they are getting quality.” Brian explained.
Brian and Marion have increased sales by 15% in 2009, they put their success down to hard work and enjoying the lifestyle choice, “The best parts of running your own business are the customers and staff. Also there are no bosses nibbling at your heels, only the tax man and the accountant! However, if you don’t like people don’t do it and if you think it will be easy then think again. To achieve something in this business you have to work very hard. The rewards are worth the work when you are successful and your hard work pays off.”
