Sir Tim Martin, the founder and chairman of pub giant JD Wetherspoon, has opened up about the impact being such a prominent campaigner for Brexit has had on him and whether he thinks he actually made a difference in the debate. The businessman became a household name during the 2016 referendum campaign thanks to his passionate and full-throated advocacy for the UK’s exit from the EU. His stance saw him featured heavily in the media ahead of the vote and in its aftermath, attracting both supporters and detractors alike.
In the latest episode of City A.M. ‘s on-camera interview series, Boardroom Uncovered , Sir Tim Martin explains the impact putting his head above the parapet had on him and his company, which included the resignations of two board directors.
Sir Tim also discusses why he shuns the luxury afforded to him after amassing a fortune of more than £400m and instead drives a 20-year-old Vauxhall. The entrepreneur also explains what kind of boss he is, if he ever has a typical day and his succession plans. It is also revealed that Sir Tim once lost £100m.
In a trading update issued to the London Stock Exchange in May, Wetherspoon revealed that its like-for-like sales had increased by 5.2 per cent in the 13 weeks to April 28, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Year-to-date sales had risen by 8.
3 per cent while total sales grew by 3.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent in the year to date.
At the time , Sir Tim Martin said: “Sales in the period continued the steady.
