BPG chief executive Anne Ackord has told BBC Sussex that Brighton Palace Pier remains “a very good business” despite the company’s decision to sell, adding she only intends to hand over the reins to “someone who would really love it.”
Brighton Pier Group CEO Anne Ackord has expanded on the company’s decision to sell the landmark Brighton Palace Pier, telling BBC Sussex “we have had lots and lots of increases.”
Citing the hundreds of thousands of pounds Employer NIC rises added to outgoings, Ackord explained the costs of running the pier have made BPG’s continued ownership unviable.
“Everyone knows it’s been a very tough time in leisure and hospitality, with the NI increases, etc. That cost the pier alone about £600,000” said Ackord. “We have had lots and lots of increases. Energy price increases. The cost of materials. The price of wood that we use for the decking has doubled in price.”
“What we have done – and it costs us about £1m a year – is to make sure this pier is absolutely rock solid in the water. So we’ve looked after her.”
Responding to questions on whether other operators would be willing to take on the pier, Ackord said: “This is probably the most famous pier in the world, so it has that added caché.”
“It’s a very good business, despite all the troubles we’ve had that we share with everyone, it’s a good solid business. There will be someone who would want to buy it. It’s not a quick process. It’s not overnight.”
“What I’m particularly keen on is finding the right person, because I’ve been associated with this pier now for over 20 years. I’d want this to go to someone who would really love it.”
Originally published on Coinslot on December 8, 2025. Republished with permission.