BII launches Licensee of the Year 2025

Entries are now open for the 2025 BII Licensee of the Year award (LOYA), in partnership with Sky Business. 

The competition is open to members and non-members of the BII alike, whether they are managers, lessees, tenants or free traders.

LOYA has a rigorous four-month judging process, culminating in the crowning of the winner at the BII Summer Event on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

"LOYA recognises the best of the best from our sector, with key industry experts and operators leading the judging to ensure not only that we have the highest standard of finalists, but also that they get huge value at every stage of the competition," says Steven Alton, CEO of the BII.

"Every aspect of the Licensee of the Year Award takes into account the adaptability and resilience that brilliant pubs and licensees have, from diversifying their business models, to supporting their teams and communities"

Evaluating businesses

The BII says that every stage of the competition gives entrants an opportunity to evaluate their business, using the free mystery customer visits and feedback from the judging team of industry professionals.

Licensees can either nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues, customers or suppliers on the BII website.

Entrants must have been operating their business for a minimum of two years, hold a Personal Licence and have a food hygiene rating of 4 or 5 at their venue, or a Pass in Scotland. 

The 2024 winner, Justine Lorriman from The Royal Dyche in Burnley (pictured) proved that pubs are for everyone, demonstrating her incredible talent for bringing people together from every corner of her community.

"Winning the Licensee of the Year has really given me confidence in myself," she says. "Since getting involved with the award, I feel that I’ve been taken under the wing of the BII. I’ve met so many incredible people and know that I have that extra support, which is brilliant."

Entries close on Friday 21 February 2025. Operators can enter here.

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