A NEW pub operator from North Yorkshire has announced plans to invest up to £20m by the end of next year to build between 50 and 100 pubs in the region.

Tadcaster Pub Company is ahead of schedule and has added the latest pub to its portfolio, the 11th acquisition since starting operations in January.

The company has acquired the White Rose at Leeming Bar, just off the A1 in North Yorkshire.

It has 45-bed accommodation and a 70-cover restaurant.

Other recent purchases include the Quaker in Darlington, which is being developed as a town centre European-style caf-bar and The Plough Inn, in Haswell Plough, east Durham.

The company is headed by Jim Walsh, who sold his Commer Group to the Punch Pub Company last November.

He built the Commer Group up from one pub in Leeds to a 750-strong pub estate sold in a deal worth £19m.

Managing director James Crawfurd-Porter, 37, leads a management team keen to build a vibrant business in what they see as a buoyant niche in the market.

In order to maintain quality, acquisitions to date have all been single pubs. A further four single purchases are going through the legal process at present.

In line with the company's business plan, the rate of acquisitions is expected to accelerate and the management team is examining a number of prospects, including some small groups of pubs.

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 such as food and accommodation in addition to drinks."

The company has adopted a flat management structure with board directors maintaining direct operational control over the pubs.

Mr Crawfurd-Porter said: "We have learned from experience that when good tenants are dealing directly with company directors, it produces better focus and improves results for both parties."

His colleagues on the board are Alison Woodfine and finance director Jeff Anspach.