Case Study: LaunchAssist in action for St Austell Brewery
Going above and beyond
The challenge: Deliver a complex LaunchAssist project to the Pedn Olva Hotel – a unique coastal site with challenging access – while maintaining United UK’s promise of a fully stocked venue ahead of reopening. The results: Despite tight access, ongoing refurbishment works, and multiple deliveries, United UK provided a complete, waste-conscious supply solution, proving once again why it is trusted as an extension of St Austell Brewery’s team. •13 pallets stripped and hand-delivered down steep steps to a cliffside site. •Immediate waste removal using a baler to divert material from landfill. •Comprehensive supply list covering guest rooms, kitchens, laundry, uniforms, and branded items. •Second top-up delivery to meet evolving site needs. •Three-year partnership supplying 45 managed hotels and more than 120 leased and tenanted pubs.
“This was over and above. The team didn’t just deliver – they unpacked, set up, cleared away, and made sure we had exactly what we needed. It made a huge difference.”
– Laura Murphy, Procurement Manager at St Austell Brewery
The challenge: a complex coastal delivery
Pedn Olva is no ordinary hotel. Built into the cliffs above the sands of St Ives, it offers breathtaking views – but also significant logistical hurdles. For the refit, 13 pallets of stock had to be broken down and hand-carried down narrow, steep steps to reach the site. The delivery included everything required for the hotel’s reopening: •Guest room essentials including hairdryers, kettles, branded toiletries by local supplier Land & Water, and tea/coffee holders. •Batteries per room for remotes, air conditioning, and lamps. •Hotel uniforms, from front-of-house polos and t-shirts to chef jackets and hats – all in St Austell’s brand colours. •Kitchen and laundry racking, crockery, cutlery, glassware, and cleaning chemicals. •Branded extras such as beach changing robes for guests. Timing was critical. LaunchAssist typically happens immediately before opening, but with some works still ongoing, United UK phased deliveries to keep the hotel team equipped.
A trusted partnership
United UK has worked with St Austell Brewery for three years, supplying weekly orders to all 45 managed sites, with deliveries arriving just two days after ordering. The relationship, built on trust, attention to detail, and shared commitment to quality, now extends to supporting tenanted sites and exploring print-on-demand solutions. With more refurbishments and openings planned, United UK will continue to be St Austell Brewery’s partner in delivering outstanding guest experiences.
The solution: hands-on support from start to finish
United UK coordinated with the Pedn Olva project team to deliver in two stages: 1.Main delivery – 13 pallets broken down for manual handling, with immediate waste removal via a new baler to prevent landfill. 2.Top-up delivery – to supply additional items identified as the refit progressed. The team’s hands-on approach meant stock was unpacked and positioned where needed, packaging was removed from site the same day, and every item was checked off to ensure nothing was missed.
The results: a smooth start despite the challenges
The Pedn Olva project demonstrated the value of United UK’s LaunchAssist in complex, high-pressure situations: •Complete site readiness despite challenging access and ongoing building work. •Waste reduction through on-site baling, diverting packaging from landfill. •Flexible delivery scheduling to match the pace of refurbishment. •Team integration, with United UK working as an extension of St Austell Brewery’s operations.