Despite Turbulent Times in the Pub Trade, Duckworth Stays on Top

The government’s ban on cigarette vending machines in restaurants, pubs, and clubs had a significant impact on these businesses and their suppliers. Despite this, Rod Bullough has successfully navigated these challenging times, ensuring the continuation of his family business. One of the ways he has done this is by designing a ‘back bar’ cigarette dispenser, which appears to comply with current regulations.

The tobacco control industry claimed that 52,000 children in England accessed cigarettes via vending machines each year. However, this figure was based on estimates and the responses of teenagers from a limited number of surveys. While consumer opposition to the ban was minimal, the price of cigarettes from vending machines was often higher than those purchased from shops, meaning they represented less than one per cent of the market.

Taking the issue seriously, Rod Bullough established a website called ‘Freedom To Choose’ in 2004, aiming to raise awareness about the changes in tobacco regulations (this is not related to a similarly named group formed in 2006). Bullough employs around 30 people, and he hopes that his new machines will gain wider adoption. However, his business is not solely reliant on these dispensers, as he has diversified into other areas of the hospitality trade.

Duckworth, founded in 1940, has been providing wholesale services for four generations. Specialising in the education, care home, and hospitality & leisure sectors, the company offers a wide range of products and services, including hygiene products, cleaning chemicals and machines, paper disposables, PPE, outdoor area solutions, coffee & coffee machines, vending machines, soft drinks, and post-mix services. Duckworth prides itself on sourcing high-quality products and works with industry-leading suppliers. Although the company has grown large enough to handle a wide range of needs, it remains small enough to provide personalised service to its customers, striving to offer the most competitive and reliable products and services available.

Rod Bullough, a Blackpool native, attended Kirkham Grammar School.