BusinessFuller's reveals Rugby World Cup boost as sales jump 10%Nice try: Rugy World Cup crowds helped pub group Fuller's get a good start to its second halfNicky J Sims/Getty ImagesNick Goodway20 November 2015Fuller’s pubs in West London were heaving during the Rugby World Cup partly leading analysts to upgrade their profit forecasts for the year as it reported strong first half figures.“The World Cup was every bit as successful as we hoped it would be despite England’s shocking performance,” said chief executive Simon Emeny.“There were ten games held at Twickenham and it appeared that everyone went to one of our pubs before or after the matches.”Fuller, Smith & Turner’s pre-tax profits rose 10% in the six months to end Sepetmber on sales up asimilar 10% to £21.6 million.In the last eight weeks sales from pubs open at least a year are running just over 6% ahead against 5.6% in the first half.Read MoreCulpeper pub boss: Rates system is not fit for purpose — and not fairMore than 2,000 hospitality businesses 'set to close this year' Number of SMEs in Scotland down since 2020, figures from Lib Dems showSponsoredGet ahead with expert services designed to boost business developmentThe half year dividend goes up 8% to 6.9p a share. Emeny declared himself “optimistic” about the rest of the year and several analysts edged up their profit forecasts.The shares rose 2p to 1145p.MORE ABOUTPubs and restaurantsFuller'sRugby World Cup
