Enterprise Inns has reported an improvement in trading since publishing its interim results and expects the company's full year figures to be in line with its expectations.

An interim management report for the 42 weeks to 16 July says that the World Cup effect and "reasonable" weather have combined to see average income per pub during the third quarter remain at the same levels as this time last year. It adds that "despite challenging conditions across the pub sector generally", average income per pub across the whole Enterprise estate was down by only 2 per cent on last year. The company's pub disposal programme has continued, with the sale so far this year of 402 properties, generating proceeds of £124m. A further 102 pubs have already exchanged contracts and will be completed later this year, raising an additional £29m.

In a move aimed at reducing its overall level of bank debt, Enterprise is continuing its sale and leaseback programme. To date, it has exchanged contracts on or completed the sale of 69 pubs, generating proceeds of £110m. Both the disposal of unviable pubs and the sale and leaseback programme are expected to continue at a similar level during the next financial year.

Enterprise is now in the process of introducing new agreements for its licensees, offering them greater flexibility in the terms of the agreement that they choose. This includes increased levels of discounts on beer and the option to be free-of-tie for wines, spirits and minerals, bottled beers and ciders, locally produced cask ales and gaming machines.