Steve, has led Novus Leisure since 2005 when he formed the company via the acquisition of Urbium plc. Since then the business has continued to expand, most recently acquiring the City bar assets of Balls Brothers Ltd and Lewis and Clarke Ltd.

Prior to Novus, Steve sat on the board of the Spirit Group Ltd, formed in 2003 following the acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle Retail by Blackstone & TPG. At Spirit Group, Steve was the MD of the 750 outlet bar and casual dining division, having spent the previous four years as the MD of Scottish & Newcastle’s 900 managed pub business.

Steve joined Scottish & Newcastle from Greenalls Group where he was a regional MD. Steve started his career at Allied Domecq plc where he held a number of senior marketing, acquisition and operational roles. Steve is also NED for two other businesses within the leisure and hospitality sector.

Steve has three children and outside of family and work commitments spends as much time as possible watching rugby and being involved with his local team.

Nick Bish - Chief Executive

Nick Bish established the ALMR in 1991, building it up since then to be the leading trade body for independent multiple operators. He was initially appointed Secretary and then later the organisation's Chief Executive. After 10 years in the Army, he first joined the industry with Courage running managed pubs, eventually becoming Regional General Manager with Imperial Inns & Taverns. He was then a director with HH Finch the family company with pubs, bars and restaurants in London.

Known to enjoy a glass of good wine, Nick is also a fan of the Harlequins RFC and has at times been extremely vocal in the office when monitoring on-line an important sporting event.

Kate Nicholls - Strategic Affairs Director

Kate Nicholls has worked with the ALMR since 1997, initially as an external consultant and subsequently as Strategic Affairs Director. After gaining a degree in English and post-graduate law diploma, she worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament. She first joined the industry with Whitbread, working as Government Relations Manager within the Strategic Affairs Department. She was Account Director at one of the largest independent public affairs companies, before establishing her own political consultancy in 2000.

Kate is a yoga devotee, and has just started to train as a yoga teacher. She also plays piano, flute and sings in the local choir.

Lesley Cuggy - Membership & Office Manager

Lesley Cuggy joined the ALMR as Office Manager in September 2008. Her previous experience has been both in the public and private sectors, working mainly within the field of business development. Lesley lived in Australia for four and a half years and returned to the UK in 2006. In her spare time, when not travelling, Lesley can be found shopping, reading and socialising with friends.

Matt Steinhofel - Research Assistant

Matt Steinhofel joined the ALMR in 2007, to assist in the running of events . Since then he has taken up a position of researcher to the Strategic Affairs Director. Having previously worked in film production in America and travelling extensively. Matt is now responsible for the website, keeping members informed of events, briefings and has an integral role in planning our flagship event, the Christmas Luncheon.

Matt is a keen photographer and also enjoys going to the gym and socialising with friends.