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Head on
one off wonder versus chain reaction
In our final Head On feature, Graven Images’ Jim Hamilton and GMP’s Neil Morten discuss the pros and cons of rolling out a brand - and discover that the best approach is far from black and white.Jim Hamilton: There’s a popular leisure industry misconception that ‘brand’ refers to a chain of similar venues - an estate of Wetherspoons... Read more

Head On, july 2007, COMMENTS

Head on
rum versus tequila
James Robinson [left], brand manager, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, and Mark Barrett tequila ambassador for Diageo GB look at the market potential of two rising stars of the spirit category.James Robinson: The first time I tried a (quality) rum was in a well-known 5 star London hotel bar, in 1999... Read more

Head On, june 2007, COMMENTS

head on
LINE ARRAY VERSUS POINT SOURCE
The line array has been the staple speaker configuration of live music and venues for decades, but some are looking at point source systems as an alternative. Shuttlesound’s David Howe and Funktion One’s Tony Andrews [left] quite literally lock horns. Tony Andrews: Most sound, including our voices, naturally emanates from a single point... Read more

Head On, May 2007, COMMENTS

head on
STRIPPED DOWN VS SOULED OUT
MD of fast-growing strip club chain Wildcats Matthew Haycox and talented burlesque artist Miss Vicky Butterfly [left] explain the attractions of their respective - and very different - entertainment style. Matthew Haycox: What’s great about the lap dancing busines is that it isn’t fashion led: there’s nothing about it that goes out of fashion... Read more

Head On, april 2007, COMMENTS

head on
FRESH AIR VS FREEDOM TO SMOKE
Experienced operator Jeremy Millins (Pure Productions/Heaven London) launched 2,700 capacity Manchester dance venue Pure in 2006 and decided to make it smoke free, 12 months prior to introduction of the legal smoking ban. Meanwhile in Scotland, CPL Entertainment Group Ltd MD Donald McCleod [left] laments the loss of the permissive... Read more

Head On, MArch 2007, COMMENTS

head on
BLANKET BAN VS TARGETED ENFORCEMENT
Bottle bans are an emotive issue but in the battle to keep customers safe, are there more effective steps to take? After overturning a six-year ban, Mark Pascoe of Cornwall’s The Zone nightclub thinks so - while Conservative MP Mark Lancaster [left] argues that blanket bans are best. Mark Lancaster: The issue of using glass... Read more

Head On, February 2007, COMMENTS

head on
PAID FOR POLICING VS SELF REGULATION
Is paid-for policing a sensible means to create a safer, more attractive, and more prosperous drinking circuit, or a counter productive cost burden? Utopian Leisure boss Bob Senior [left] and BEDA Executive Director Paul Smith examine the issues. Bob Senior: When I was with Ultimate Leisure we opened a venue at the top of Newcastle’s Bigg Markett... Read more

Head On, January 2007, COMMENTS

head on
RESIDENT HEROES VS CELEB DJs
When it comes to DJ talent, is it best to keep it in the family or to book the big guns for your booth? Resident and founder of a popular local club night Terry Pointon and Creamfields/Chibuku Shake Shake promoter Rich McGinnis [left] weigh up the pros and cons, and agree that the best case scenario lies somewhere in between... Read more

Head On, december 2006, COMMENTS