Over-expansion and a management talent shortage has combined to batter Britain’s pub industry, according to hospitality recruiters.

Latest figures from the British Beer & Pub Association show that 52 pubs are going out of business every week.

Jacqui Sterry, managing director at Mise en Place, told Recruiter: “A lot of the problem is over-expansion, with companies getting so big that they are not looking at their bottom line.

“That tends to be a problem when you get very large. But in terms of management, it is finding the right people who want to grow with the company and like the concept of the company.

“It is matching the right expectations of the client with the candidates in terms of concept and career progression.”

Jane Brumby, director at Apple Appointments, adds: “It is down to the smoking ban. That is what has killed the British pub industry.

“Candidates don’t bother anymore. Nobody wants to get into pubs. There is nothing left for them to stay for. Now pub companies don’t want managers, they want people to take on tenancies.”