The company executive behind Bristol craft brewery Butcombe’s expansion into a major pub chain over recent years has been appointed to the board of its parent group.
Jayson Perfect, pictured, has spent the past seven years as managing director of Butcombe’s pubs, joining to run its managed pubs shortly after it was acquired by Jersey-headquartered Liberation Group.
Wrington-based Butcombe has since expanded its pub portfolio exponentially through a series of strategic acquisitions, including taking over 21 pubs from Wiltshire brewery Wadworth in 2020.
The latest – involving London-based Cirrus Inns, which was acquired in December last year – means Butcombe now operates a 137-strong portfolio of inns and is also one of the leading premium accommodation providers in the South of England.
Jayson has also expanded his role, initially adding Liberation’s Channel Islands pubs followed by the tenanted division of the business.
He also helped Butcombe win a hat-trick of Publican Awards last year, including Best Managed Pub Co, Best Accommodation Operator and Best Premium Food Offer.
Before joining Liberation/Butcombe, Jayson was tenanted trade director at Palmers Brewery in Dorset for five years and also spent 14 years at London brewer Fuller, Smith and Turner in the managed house division.
Originally from South Africa, he has more than 23 years’ hospitality experience in restaurants, pubs and breweries from single site management to directorship.
Liberation Group CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “I’m delighted that Jayson is joining the board for what will be an exciting and important period for the group.
“We have a clear set of priorities for the next few years, including some exciting developments within our pubs & inns business, and it makes complete sense for Jayson to be with us around the table.”
Liberation Group chairman David Kelly added: “Liberation Group has an exceptionally strong leadership team in all areas and we are delighted to welcome Jayson to the board.
“He will bring additional operational and strategic insight to our decision making.”
Butcombe was launched in 1978 by ex-Courage Western director Simon Whitmore.
Its Bristol pubs include The Cottage Inn at Baltic Wharf, The Ostrich on Lower Guinea Street and The Whitmore Tap on Whiteladies Road, named after Mr Whitmore, who died in 2012.
Butcombe’s range of beers include Original Bitter, Underfall Lager, Rarebreed Pale Ale, Golden Ale and its award-winning alcohol-free Goram IPA Zero.
