John Duncan, area manager, The Shilling Group
Independent Edinburgh pub operator The Shilling Group has appointed a new area manager, promoting John Duncan to fill the role.
The former general manager of The Fountain, which was acquired by the Group in 2012, oversaw the redesign and redevelopment of the premises into a modern bar brasserie and steered it to become the company’s top-trading unit. Joining The Shilling Group in 2007, Duncan managed two other premises – the Carrier’s Quarters and Bar Kohl – before moving to The Fountain.
His key responsibilities will be to work with the Director on company strategy and new business development, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, establishing HACCP policies, managing product procurement and the implementation of staff training and overseeing all units.
Commenting on his promotion, the group's founder Michael McGuigan said: “What qualified John best for the role is his industry experience and his knowledge of our own operations. Another huge factor in our decision is that he understands trends and where the industry is heading and has a great clear vision of where the company can go.”
The Shilling Group employs 106 staff and is on course to record a turnover of £5.2m in the next 12 months.