About Us

Stephen G Culverhouse – Fellow of the British Institute of Innkeeping

Steve and his wife, Gill (died sadly in 2017), used to own several well know freehold inns around the South Hams of Devon. In 1997 Steve joined Bettesworths Commercial Estate Agents in Torquay where he enjoyed 2 years successfully selling pubs. During this time Steve was seconded to the then regional brewer Eldridge Pope of Dorchester where he spent 9 months acquiring new freehold sites for their portfolio. Steve then went on to form his own acquisitions business and enjoyed significant success introducing off-market properties to national pub companies, regional brewers and select individuals.

In 2001 Steve & family decided to return to the sharp end and purchased a country inn in South Somerset where they set about building trade with the help of daughter Lucy. Steve is the chef of the family and the girls worked front of house. Soon trade took off and rose from £1,500 per week to £6,000 per week within 12 months. Unfortunately, Steve developed serious back trouble and could no longer work in the kitchen and so in 2003 the business was sold. Steve then continued with the acquisitions business acting as consultant to two private pub companies. Several of these sites were closed or under-performing and a niche in the market was recognised and Change-of-Use was born. The Localism Act 2011 has posed new challenges for pub owners and Steve has become an authority on Assets of Community Value acting for owners to have the listing revoked at review or First-Tier Tribunal. Steve is now retired but advises with a free appraisal for change of use and ACV nominations and listings.