PROFITS TO KEEP KING IN CHECK

Pub giant Greene King has warned that weaker consumer confidence and increased competition mean it faces a tough time “over the next few years”.

It expects costs to rocket by around £60million during the current financial year but has plans to offset up to £45m of the increase.

Boss Rooney Anand claimed it was well placed to cope, but profits dipped 2.6% to £184m in the year to April 30.