Bass recruits B&Q man to head catering chains

Bass Taverns has hired B&Q advertising manager Tim Gibson to take charge of marketing for the rapidly expanding Harvester and Innkeeper’s Fayre catering chains.

Gibson joins with the title of brand manager for the two chains, but he will be in charge of a 3m advertising budget and other promotions and communications. At DIY chain B&Q, he held the post of store development advertising manager.

At Harvester he replaces John Kisbey, who has left the business to pursue his own interests.

Bass acquired Harvester from Forte in 1995, and has invested heavily in the chain. It has an ambitious opening programme for the 120-strong chain.

The company plans to expand beyond the South of England and the Midlands into the North, and will open a further ten outlets next year.

Innkeeper’s Fayre pubs have large premises offering different eating and drinking areas. Bass has a policy of placing complementary brands on the same site, and has tried putting Innkeeper’s Fayre pubs with Holiday Inn hotels.

Harvester recently appointed agency Clark & Taylor for the 1m task of backing new openings. The main account remains with FCA!, which handles the bulk of the 3m advertising budget.