THREE people who worked for Tadcaster-based Commer Inns which was sold to the Punch Pub Company last November, have formed their own venture - and have plans to invest up to £20 million by the end of next year.

The Tadcaster pub Company intends to build an estate of between 50 and 100 high-quality tenanted pubs in Yorkshire and the north east. The acquisitions are already ahead of schedule.

Leading the new pub operators is managing director James Crawfurd-Porter, 37 who, with board colleagues Alison Woodfine, 39, and finbance director Jeff Anspach, 36, all worked for Commer Inns.

Latest acquisition - the 11th in eight months - is the White Rose at Leeming Bar, which also has 45-bed accommodation and a 70-seater restaurant and the company is on the hunt for yet more in North Yorkshire.

Mr Crawfurd-Porter said: "We are looking for quality community pubs that are more than just local drinking houses.

"We want pubs in which tenant licensees with drive and initiative can make successful businesses in areas like food and accommodation in addition to drinks."

The new company is adopting a flat management structure, with board directors maintaining direct operational control over the pubs.

"We've learned from experience that when good tenants are dealing directly with company directors it produces better focus and improved results for both parties," he said.

Updated: 09:51 Tuesday, August 27, 2002