Oakman Group aims to raise £4.5m in capital

Oakman Group, an independent pub group, has opened up its investment opportunities with an aim to raise £4.5m in capital.

The company, which currently operates 27 sites across the south of England and the West Midlands, is offering the minimum buy-in to the company at 350 shares, or £962.50 per person.

While many businesses in the industry have suffered throughout the year, the group insists a strong performance between lockdowns has created an opportunity for growth through a “trail of acquisitions”.

Dermot King, CEO at Oakmanm, said: “Our company is financially stable, and once the fund-raising is completed, we will proceed with our development plans.

“We believe that the long-term changes in consumer behaviour, such as the move to working from home, coupled with the tragic and unnecessary failure of many smaller pubs and restaurants, means that we are well- positioned to gain further market share.”

An employer of approximately 1,000 staff, the company said it will continue to focus on staff retention, as well as providing a scheme that allows employees to buy shares in the business.

Peter Borg-Neal, founder and executive chairman at Oakman, said: “Staff retention is one of the most significant drivers of profit, and it creates a perfect economic circle because it allows us to invest earnings into staff training, career development and welfare.”