Support Makes A Difference
There is no shortage of stories about licensees signing on the dotted line and taking on their dream pub, only to find, not too far down the line, a hefty rent hike causes their profits to plummet and their dream to melt away.
Well it doesn’t have to be like that, according to many tenants and managers who have opted for the family values of one regional brewer when taking their next step on the licensed trade ladder.
Maxine and Steve Burns are one such couple. They signed up with Robinson’s, having taken over at the Old Bridge Inn at Barrowford, Lancashire on 19 December last year.
The couple said the training, personal approach and the ongoing support made it the right choice for them, which meant it was an excellent proposition right from the start.
They had previously been with a national pubco, but having turned the fortunes of their pub around, the rent was almost doubled, which left them with an untenable business.
Although disheartened by the experience, Maxine stuck with the licensed trade, this time working behind the bar of a Robinson’s house, which gave her an insight into a very different way of doing business. Within a matter of months she and Steve decided to give it another go, but this time with Robinson’s, where their experience and enthusiasm was welcomed.
Even more importantly, they were secure in the knowledge that their rent was reasonable and would not be reviewed for the next four years. Coupled with that, a traditional full tie applies, but as Steve point’s out, the overall package was fair and gave them the stability they needed while they developed the business to its full potential.
Every Licensee Has A Package of Help
For every licensee who takes up one of Robinson’s tenancies, in an estate of around 400 town and country pubs throughout the North West England and North Wales, there is a comprehensive package of support available.
Every tenant is assigned an experienced District Manager who is always there to help while respecting the way the tenants run their own business.
As in the case of Maxine and Steve, their manager was with them as they moved in at the Old Bridge Inn, and working with an independent stocktaker, it ensured a smooth and fair transition.
In addition, Robinson’s own expert cellar services team checked over the beer storage and dispense equipment, so that the couple got off to a flying start as they welcomed their customers.
A Vital Introduction to the Pub Trade
As forward thinkers in a fast moving business, Robinson’s recognise the value of thorough training, which the company delivers through a comprehensive five-day in-house course held each month at its Unicorn Brewery, Stockport, Cheshire.
Veronica Robinson is the company’s Training and Development Director who put the modular course together to deliver an essential introduction to the licensed trade as well as providing valuable ongoing support.
Thanks to the way in which it is structured each module can stand alone or be combined to provide the ideal launch for a new starter in the trade.
“It is very important to us that we do everything that we can to help our tenants and managers to develop throughout their career, which is why we give them the best possible support for their business,” says Veronica.
The training, which covers a broad range of modules from marketing to practical hands-on cellar management, is delivered by people who have run their own successful pubs and are well placed to pass on their wealth of experience.
All of the modules are approved by the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body, the industry’s recognised standards organisation.
Ongoing Investment is in Evidence
Of course the combination of matching well prepared tenants and managers to a pub that suits them is all important, but so is providing them with the tools to do their job.
Robinson’s have earned an enviable reputation for brewing award winning beers, and have recently invested in a major re-branding of their product portfolio.
The striking new look - also incorporated in the presentation of their rolling series of seasonal beers - ensures brand recognition and a bold presence at the bar.
In addition, a well selected range of wines and spirits are available to every house, and expert guidance is on hand to help with the detail of building the smallest wine list to matching drinks to a full menu.
Throughout the estate constant investment is evident both in the building and acquisition of new houses, and the refurbishment of its many other fine pubs.
One thing that remains unchanged however, is the commitment to mutually beneficial working partnerships.
For further information about the tenancy and management opportunities with Robinson's call 0161 612 4061; email tiedtrade.stockport@frederic-robinson.com or Contact Us to find out more.