The Quarterly Newsletter from Admiral to You
Issue 10 / August 2009
p U e d i S y Sunn
With summer in full bloom it’s time to take advantage of the light, sunny evenings and the improved trading opportunities they bring. Find out about outdoor catering and making the most of your outdoor space as well as helpful advice about refurbishing your pub and the small changes that can make a huge difference. There’s a review of the ILRO training programme by Admiral landlords that have completed the course. Plus, the latest news from the estate.
Bring out the barbecue Page 7
Page 2 – 3
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
Make the best of your bar
An A – Z guide for raising awareness overPage the summer months 9
2
ACADEMY
IT’S GRADUATION DAY FOR ADMIRAL’S ACADEMY STAFF The first graduates of Admiral’s head office academy scheme have received their certificates upon completion of the six month programme. The four academy members were given the opportunity to experience a number of different roles within the Admiral business to develop a better understanding of the company and how different teams and departments work together to help landlords within the estate. One element of the training was a three week stint in an Admiral pub, where they got to experience, first hand, the day to day work of landlords and the challenges they face. Jan Dolman, Office Manager said – “It was important for the delegates to work at the sharp end. Our business is all about pubs and for them to experience the hard work and long hours that all of our licensees put in was invaluable. It was certainly a very enjoyable part of the course for them all.
NEWS
“We would like to thank the three pubs who allowed them the chance to work at the front-line – The Stork at Birkenhead, The Farmers Arms in Huxley and the White Horse in Churton”.
GAMING
ADMIRAL GET IN SUPPORTS THE GAME PUBAID For landlords hoping to gain extra income through games machines there are a range of options for customer entertainment including fruit machines, quizzes, pool tables, jukeboxes or video games.
Admiral is supporting the PubAid initiative, which has been developed to provide positive stories about the trade for national and regional media. A dedicated website, www.pubaid.com, has been launched to highlight the importance of pubs and the role that they play within their local communities. All landlords are being asked to sign up and showcase the events and charitable fundraising they do. A spokesperson for the initiative said: “All we are aiming to do is put the fantastic good, which many thousands of licensees and their customers do every day, on the map for all to see.”
Register now at www.pubaid.com
Special Feature:
Admiral has an extensive list of approved suppliers from across the country that can supply a selection of entertainment machines and will take care of all service, collections, permits and licences. Admiral has a machines team who will monitor and manage the suppliers, check service, collections, types of machines, site life and rent in order to maximise income for landlords, whilst ensuring our very high standards are maintained. The new £70 Jackpot Fruit Machine has now hit our estate and digital machines are becoming increasingly popular. If you haven’t already, get in touch with the Admiral machines team to find out more. For more information about installing machines in your pub contact Ann Jordan on 01244 505282. Ann will take your details, and arrange for a suggested/requested supplier in your area to see you.
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
Putting your spare room to good use can increase both your profits and customer base. Thinking outside the box when it comes to developing your pub further can really pay off. If you have an extra room then transforming it into a usable space can give your pub a new lease of life. Many Admiral landlords have already come up with unusual money spinners that operate out of their spare rooms – read on for inspiration and tips on how you can do the same.
August 2008
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Make the most of your spare room
Going spare Function room Make the most of any large function rooms. If it’s suitable for weddings then make contact with the local church and registry office so marrying couples looking for a reception venue know about the pub. Offer the room for hire for birthdays, christenings and anniversary celebrations. The room can also be marketed to local businesses for corporate functions and parties.
Adhoc specialist entertainment An unused room offers the opportunity to hold special entertainment nights without disturbing the entire pub, so customers that don’t want to take part can enjoy their pint in peace. Events such as psychic nights, karaoke and shopping parties can be held away from the rest of the pub.
Computer console games room Social gaming has become particularly popular in the last year, with the development of interactive consoles such as the Wii, X Box and Playstation. Installing the latest gaming equipment in your pub will attract both adults and children and is a relatively low cost way of introducing entertainment. Paul Holmes, marketing communications manager at Admiral Taverns, said: “Consoles such as the Wii are hugely popular and can be used by multiple players at the same time. As well as offering the games for free to customers, why not hold mini tournaments?”
Gin Parlour Why not dedicate a room to selling a tipple that’s popular with regulars. This is particularly suited to bars in city centre locations where it’s important to stand out from the competition. Matt Scriven of the Jeckylle Hyde in Birmingham turned his first floor lounge into a sophisticated gin parlour as part of a recent £30,000 refurbishment. Matt said: “I wanted to create a versatile venue that would appeal to a wide range of customers. The Jekyll & Hyde gives people a relaxed sanctuary to visit during the day as well as a night time destination that can hold it’s own against most other venues in the city.”
Coffee house To drive trade during the day, why not create a cafe in one room serving coffees, cakes and snacks. It can open up the pub to a range of new customers and has the potential to target social groups such as mother and toddler groups, Women’s Institutes and book clubs. Take a look at www.mypubfood.co.uk for hints and tips regarding your food offering.
Children’s area Some adults consider their local pub to be a child-free sanctuary where they can relax and socialise. A separate room for children and families ensures that the pub can offer a child -free space without missing out on the family market. Paul Holmes said: “Having a family room means landlords can accommodate families without putting off existing customers that prefer an adult-only environment. “Family rooms also provide the opportunity to expand a pub’s product range with a selection of soft drinks, hot drinks and confectionary.”
www.admiraltaverns.com
4
Advertising Feature
Racing ahead of the competition Admiral has teamed up with Racing UK to help landlords boost their business by screening live coverage of horse racing. As part of the deal Admiral landlords receive a 30% discount* on Racing UK subscriptions. Racing UK is the UK’s premier TV channel dedicated to providing live racing in commercial premises. Broadcasting from 30 of the UK’s top racecourses, Racing UK is the only place to watch every race live from its courses. Racing UK is a stand alone channel so no Sky subscription is necessary. All that is required is the Sky equipment and a Sky card. Racing UK can provide a Sky card free of charge to landlords that don’t have one.
Cost Monthly payments, including Admiral discount*: £70 + vat (a saving of £30 a month) Annual upfront payment: £700 + vat (a saving of £300 a year) No annual contract is required for Admiral Taverns’ premises *Discount applicable for new Racing UK subscribers only
Additional benefits In addition to the live coverage almost every day, Racing UK also provides each subscriber with a number of business
Racing UK’s courses Aintree, Ayr, Bangor, Beverley, Carlisle, Cartmel, Catterick, Cheltenham, Chester, Epsom, Goodwood, Hamilton, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Ludlow, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Newbury, Newmarket, Nottingham, Pontefract, Redcar, Salisbury, Sandown Park, Thirsk, Warwick, Wetherby, Wincanton, York
For more information about Racing UK, visit www.racinguk.com/pubs
or call 0870 351 8834
benefits to help landlords maximise the success of the channel in their premises. This includes free point of sale – external banners, posters, beer mats, table stands. Plus five free tickets to over 50 days racing for landlords and their regulars
To subscribe Just follow three simple steps to subscribe: 1) Make a note of your nine digit Sky card number 2) Have payment details ready 3) Call 0870 351 8834 quote reference Admiral Taverns
Racing UK’s top 5 tips to making the most of its service Advertise: Ensure customers know which races are coming up by using the point of sale that Racing UK provides. Take regulars racing: Organise a day out to a local racecourse for regular customers and put on complimentary food before or after the racing. Your hospitality will be rewarded with loyalty. Support a local charity: Get any big winners to put some money in. This could get local publicity and create loyalty by supporting something worthwhile Entertainment: Create additional events around racing for example, quiz or race nights and use the free Racing UK tickets as prizes; Organise sweepstakes or tipping leagues; Organise a racehorse ownership syndicate. Information: Keep the racing papers on display and if there’s a bookies close by keep some betting slips to hand
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
LeGAL EYE
Are you ready for summer? If the weather forecast is to be believed we are in for a long hot summer – providing great trading opportunities for pubs, however there are some legal issues to consider. Here’s a rundown of things you need to take into account. Many sporting events are shown on television. Provided the programme is part of a normal transmission it would not be an activity which needs to be authorised in the Premises Licence. If a pub operator records a television programme to show to customers on a later occasion that constitutes an exhibition of film and must be included within the licensable activities contained in the Premises Licence for the pub. Good weather also benefits pubs with beer gardens or other outside areas. Consumption of alcohol is not a licensable activity and an outside area can be used at any time for drinking provided there is no restriction in the Premises Licence. Recorded music can also be provided outside at any time without a licence if it is at a background level and not prohibited by a condition in the Premises Licence. A bar can be located in an outside area provided the exterior of the premises has been included within the area that is licensed. The same applies to other licensable activities such as the provision of live music or other entertainment in external areas. As always it is important to check the Premises Licence to see what activities are permitted and where and when they can be provided. It is also important to see if there are any conditions which restrict the way in which any of the activities may be provided. Having checked the Premises Licence if it does not allow the pub to benefit from the summer of sport it is not too late to apply for a variation. Alternatively it may be possible to give Temporary Event Notices rather than seek a permanent solution. Finally, don’t forget the neighbours! Whenever an outside area is used always make sure that noise levels are not excessive in order to avoid complaints.
August 2008
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news
Waldegrave Arms named Bristol Pub of the Year The landlords of the Waldregrave Arms are celebrating award success having been named the Bristol Pub of the Year.
“We’ve worked hard to improve the Waldegrave Arms, giving it a homely and welcoming feel, and it’s great to have been recognised for this.” She added: “Lee oversees the food and it’s always been our particular strength. We change the menu every three months or so to keep things fresh and we hold theme nights – such as ‘Cajun night’ and a four-course gourmet night – once a month so that customers can try something new.” Becki Chappell from The Bristol Evening Post said: “This is the first year that we’ve run the competition and we were overwhelmed by the high quality of the entrants. We hope that The Waldegrave Arms will continue to go from strength to strength following its win.”
The pub in East Harptree has been awarded the title in a region-wide competition run by The Bristol Evening Post in conjunction with Matthew Clark wine merchants and Blackthorn Cider. The pub was nominated for the awards by its loyal customers alongside 65 other local establishments. The Waldegrave Arms initially won its category of Food Pub of the Year before beating six finalists to scoop the top title. Landlords Lee and Sharon Turner have been at The Waldegrave Arms for nearly six years, and have turned the struggling pub into a bustling business. Sharon said: “Winning this title should be particularly beneficial for us because of our rural Becki Chappell (left) and Duncan Baldwin, regional managing location and, hopefully, it will attract even more director of Matthew Clark (right), present Lee and Sharon Turner with their award customers to the pub.
news
ADMIRAL TAVERNS JOINS MYPUBLIFE.COM Admiral Taverns has signed up to a revolutionary new website that’s aimed at helping people who want to run their own pub. My Pub Life highlights opportunities in the industry for people looking to buy, manage or lease a pub and offers advice and support for new landlords. The website, www.mypublife.com, gives a balanced view of the licensed trade, offering impartial advice on both the negative and positive aspects of becoming a licensee. Paul Holmes, marketing communications manager for Admiral Taverns, said: “We strongly believe the pub industry offers exciting and viable business opportunities for people with the right skills and experience. “We already offer a number of tools to help new licensees entering the pub industry and our involvement with Mypublife.com is another resource we’d encourage new landlords to take advantage of.” James Cuthbertson at My Pub Life said: “This website helps people understand the workings of the pub trade; it also provides information on franchise training and gives real examples of how others have entered the industry. “Running your own business can be an exciting and rewarding way of life. The UK leisure and hospitality industry is packed full of variety and entering a new, smoke free chapter, which provides fresh business opportunities and has the potential of attracting a new wave of clientele.”
www.admiraltaverns.com
6
Special Feature
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You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
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August 2008
7
Bring out the barbeque
news
Summer is a great opportunity to get customers outside enjoying alfresco dining. If you have an outdoor area, why not invest in a barbeque and offer outdoor catering. It’s a cost effective way of catering for large groups of customers and is more relaxed and informal than a set menu. Top tips for a safe BBQ
Seasonal tipples
Staff who cook on barbecues need the same food safety training as those cooking in a kitchen
Team your barbeque menu with a selection of seasonal drinks. Chilled beer and cider, ideally served over ice, are great summer drinks.
Gas barbeques are a good investment as they offer consistent cooking and less hassle Pre-cook meat and poultry in the kitchen before barbecuing Wear the correct clothing for cooking i.e. apron, hat, closed shoes and oven gloves Keep surfaces and utensils clean and sanitised. Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat Use a temperature probe to monitor the temperature of cooked meat Ensure meat is sealed and refrigerated until time of cooking Have a hot and cold water supply close by for handwashing and keep hand sanitiser near the barbecue
Top tips for setting up an outdoor bar Make sure the barbeque and bar are set up with clear boundaries for staff only Have enough staff to serve customers and make sure they understand how the operation will work Keep the bar simple – have a small selection of the most popular bottles Have bins filled with ice to chill bottles of beer and cider quickly – a cooler takes six hours to chill bottles Keep prices at round numbers to make it easier for staff Think about how money will be collected and change given to customers
Make sure you start advertising at least a couple of weeks in advance of event, ideally a month to give people time to plan their diaries.
Make sure there are children’s drinks available
www.admiraltaverns.com
8
refurbishment news
SALES DOUBLE AT REVAMPED SHEFFIELD PUB BUSINESS IS BOOMING AT THE ASHBY WOULDS Sales have more than doubled at the King & Miller in Sheffield following a £140,000 refurbishment.
A Swadlincote pub is thriving thanks to a £20,000 investment. The Ashby Woulds pub re-opened for business following a seven week extensive refurbishment programme, overseen by new landlord Dave Bonner and has seen a great reaction from customers. Dave said: “We’ve given the pub a fifties and sixties theme and are keen to build up a range of regular events to keep our customers coming back for more. Word is getting around about the pub reopening and we’re attracting new faces every day. “I’m a former chef, and was keen to introduce a food menu, so we’ve completely refitted the kitchen, and the pub’s new open-plan layout gives us the space to host functions and a variety of live entertainment and events like speed dating and kareoke.” David Homer, business development manager, said: “We were keen to invest in the Ashby Woulds in order to help the family bring their ideas to life and give Moira back its village pub. Dave and Kim have completely transformed the Ashby Woulds pub and we’re sure that their initial success will continue.”
The pub was fitted with a brand new oak bar and floor, and its three small rooms were converted into one large, open-plan space for drinkers and diners to enjoy. Libby and Roy Scott, who’ve been running the pub for 17 months, are keen to build on their success. Libby said: “We were trading well before the refurbishment because we made an effort to introduce regular entertainment, pool teams and food, but now we’re doing even better. “The pub’s transformation has helped us to attract a whole host of new customers and given us the potential to do so much more.” The Scotts host regular disco and karaoke nights at the King & Miller, as well as weekly quizzes and pool nights. They currently serve Sunday lunches and are making the most of their new and improved function room. The couple also plan to revamp the beer garden, set up bouncy castles and host BBQs to make the most of summer trade. Norman Wheatley, business development manager, said: “We worked with Libby and Roy to create a new-look pub that would appeal to a wider range of customers. The open-plan layout and new fixtures and fittings make it feel like a modern pub whilst the real log fire and original stone walls help to retain its traditional charm. “Now they have realised what an impact a revamp like this can make, they have started to work on their outdoor space.”
MUSIC PUB IS BACK TO ITS BEST A historic Hull pub has opened for the first time in six months following a £140,000 refurbishment. The Grafton Hotel has been completely transformed inside and out with modern décor, fixtures and fittings and a new smoking area. Despite having a modern makeover, The Grafton Hotel will be true to its origins as a traditional community pub and popular music venue, according to bar managers Graham and Marina Bunting. Graham said: “The Grafton Hotel has always been known for showcasing local talent with successful bands like the Beautiful South starting life here. We want to keep this tradition going forward, offering customers a variety of entertainment in more stylish and comfortable surroundings. We have also introduced real ales and bar snacks for the first time. “A lot of local people were anticipating the pub’s reopening and their responses have been really positive. We want to build on our initial success and are looking forward to good summer trade.” Paul Withrington, business development manager, said: “We wanted to invest a substantial amount of money in this pub to bring it back to its former glory. The refurbishment has given Graham and Marina a platform to expand the business and make the most of the trade all year round.”
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
Above: (Top) The Grafton Hotel before the refurbishment took place. (Below) The Grafton Hotel following the £140,00 refurbishment.
August 2008
Special Feature:
9
Make the most of your pub Inside
e h t e k Ma f o t s be r a b r y ou
nce when it e r e f if d e g u h a an make ur pub. o y f o Little touches c l e e f d n a ing the look ishings will comes to improv n r u f t f o s w e n aint or A fresh lick of p e expensive. b n a c y e h t t u b lift give an instant h, Admiral’s ls a W k n a r F m o r tips f t of your pub. Here are some s o m e h t g in k a r, for m project surveyo
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e building. th f o e id ts u o e e woodwork on th th t in a p ging baskets. d n n a a h d d n n a g in • Sa c n e ,f ooden furniture w ll a h tdoor areas or is u o rn a y V n a • m ro f d bbish is cleare • Make sure ru ail y basis. a car parks on a d neatl y, either by n e tt ri w re a s board od handwriting. o g • Make sure A y r e v h it w e n someo professional or
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the app e v o r p im o t s y a low cost w For more help on our BDM. y t c a t n o c b u p r of you
• Make sure everywhere is spotlessly clean. • Maintain toilets to a good standard and offer little extras such as deodorants, tissues and moisturiser in the ladies. • Take a look at the layout of furniture and make sure it’s in the best positions. • Look at machine positions and ensure they are not blocking access to the bar. • Check lighting and light bulbs. Is the lighting too bright? Could coloured bulbs create more of an atmosphere in winter? • De-clutter the back bar and only merchandise products that your customers are interested in. • Remove flourescent price markers which look cheap.
Finishing touches • Talk to a local florist about putting an arrangement on the bar in exchange for free advertising. • If you have a fire use it in the winter months to create a cosy atmosphere. • Talk to local businesses that you may be able to use in exchange for advertising in the pub such as carpet cleaners, garden centres and local artists. • Put out newspapers and magazines for customers to enjoy. • Create an area at the bar showing a proper coffee offer with matching mugs and merchandising of a range of teas and coffees. • Consider the identity/ brand of the pub and keep any merchandising and advertising on a similar theme. Visit www.mypubsuperstore.co.uk for ideas and inspiration on designs and merchandise.
www.admiraltaverns.com
10
Your shout ! It ’s a family affair Neal Zarkovic – The Railway, Sutton
Our family took on The Railway in November 2007 and since then it has gone from strength to strength.
The great outdoors
If your pub has the benefit of a beer garden the summer months are prime time to attract new customers, particularly families. With light nights and balmy weather encouraging people to fit more into their day a trip to the pub is an appealing prospect – particularly if they have plenty of activities to keep the children entertained. Investing in simple playground items such as a slide, swings or a climbing frame will always add value to customers. But if you don’t have a large budget there are cheaper alternatives available such as giant versions of popular games like Jenga, Downfall, Connect Four, Kerplunk and Snakes & Ladders. Why not have special family days during the summer holidays with a bouncy castle, barbecue (see page six for barbecue ideas) or even a children’s entertainer. Paul Holmes, marketing communications manager for Admiral Taverns says: “After a couple of disappointing summers this year’s is a scorcher, providing landlords with a fantastic opportunity to maximise trade and draw in new customers. It doesn’t require a large financial investment, just some imagination. “But outdoor space isn’t always for children. It also needs to appeal to adults. Keep outdoor space well maintained and inviting with comfortable furniture and tidy landscaping. Make the space as low maintenance as possible but still incorporating some greenery and a splash of colour. Just a few pot plants or a couple of hanging baskets can make a huge difference.”
Working together as a family has enabled our business to thrive because we all bring different qualities to the pub and are all passionate about making it a success. My sister has good business sense and previous PR experience so she helps to market the pub and our programme of live entertainment. Meanwhile I’m the people person who loves nothing more than chatting and getting to know our customers. Mum even gets involved when she can by dressing the pub and making it look nice. Our strong sense of family has had a really positive impact on the pub and we’ve created a traditional, friendly atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Admiral has a number of resources available through the www.mypubsuperstore.co.uk website that can be used to promote and market your pub and events. You can also speak to your BDM for further support and advice.
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
Carry on camping Two Admiral landlords have come up with a novel use for their outdoor space – and it’s created a whole new revenue stream for their pub. Nigel and Carol Phillips of The Barons Cross Inn in Leominster have converted spare land surrounding their pub into a camping area with space for up to 10 caravans or motor homes and numerous tents. Nigel said: “We’re keen caravaners ourselves, and that’s where we got the idea to set up the camping area at the pub. We can offer our visitors evening entertainment, quality drinks and food right on their doorstep, which is something that’s often missing at other campsites. “Converting the land was relatively inexpensive as I did most of the work myself; the most costly part of the process was laying the water and electric mains, and that’s already paid for itself in bookings.” The site, which is registered with The Camping and Caravanning Club, has proved extremely popular with holidaymakers since it opened last July. “We find that we’re often fully booked during the peak months, particularly on bank holiday weekends,” continued Nigel. “Almost everyone who books into the campsite pays a couple of visits to the pub during their holiday, so it’s provided a real boost to our profits.”
For more information, visit the pub’s website at www.baronscrossinn.com
Above: The Barons Cross campsite
August 2008
news
Admiral Taverns solicitor gets on his bike for charity
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Focus on... Rachael Lewis – Installs Co-ordinator
Mark Brown, head of legal services for Admiral Taverns, has helped to raise over £10,000 for charity, aided by generous sponsorship from his co-workers. Mark was amongst a group of fourteen who undertook a sponsored coast to coast bike ride – which saw him travel the 145 mile distance between Whitehaven and Sunderland in just two and a half days. Mark explained: “A good friend of mine, Mike Roach, used to travel this route every year to raise money for charity, and a group of us agreed to do the ride with him this year. Unfortunately, Mike died of bowel cancer in February. We decided to continue with the ride in his memory, and donate the money raised to St Rocco’s cancer hospice, where Mike received care prior to him passing away.” He continued: “I was genuinely overwhelmed by the generosity of the team at Admiral Taverns – so much so that I’m slightly regretting my pledge to match the total raised from my own pocket!”
Rachael Lewis has been Admiral Taverns’ installs co-ordinator since July 2008. Her key role involves organising the removals and installations of various well-known brands of draught beers, lagers, ciders and cask ales, to ensure that Admiral’s pubs stock everything the customer expects from their local pub.
Above: Mark Brown, seventh from the right, and the rest of the fundraising team
With many of Admiral Taverns’ closed pubs now re-opening and several refurbishments taking place, Rachael has been particularly busy. Rachael explains: “I receive emails on a daily basis from Admiral’s BDMs, to request what installs and removals a particular pub requires.”
“I receive emails on a daily basis from Admiral’s BDMs, to request what installs and removals a particular pub requires.” She also works closely with Admiral’s various suppliers including Scottish and Newcastle and Coors to make arrangements for the work that needs completing. This also includes liaising with the suppliers’ technical services teams, to ensure all equipment is safe and up to standard. Rachael says: “Depending on the circumstances it can take as little as ten working days from job request to completion, meaning that the pub can be up and running very quickly. However, if the pub has had a period of closure, it may take longer.” Admiral’s monthly issue of Agenda, with it’s ‘Guest Ales’ and Scottish and Newcastle’s ‘Cellar Man’s Reserve’, means that requests for cask ale installations, are becoming much more frequent. Over the past year, Rachael has enhanced her role, to ensure that Admiral’s tenants receive an efficient service. By developing closer relations with suppliers, Rachael has implemented a new system, which means she takes charge of arranging a pub’s install date. “Now all suppliers are working together to ensure all the correct products are in place on the same day, ready for the pub to trade as soon as possible.”
www.admiraltaverns.com
12
news
ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS The three-day Introduction to Licensed Retail Operations course is proving a hit with Admiral landlords. It’s been just under a year since Admiral Taverns teamed up with the BII to offer landlords the Introduction to Licensed Retail Operations (ILRO) course, and Admiral landlords have already participated in the comprehensive three day course. Elaine Martin and Nick Price decided to try out the course before taking over the Black Horse in West Tytherley, Salisbury. Three months later, the couple are confidently and competently running the Black Horse, despite it being their first pub. Elaine, who previously worked with police and social services dealing with young offenders, and Nick, a former joiner, believe that ILRO should be compulsory for anyone starting out in the licensing trade. “We’ve only been here a matter of months yet we’ve already been accepted by the locals as part of the community,” said Elaine. “We’ve only achieved this because we’ve been able to take time to get to know the locals and find out what they want from the pub. Without the course that time would have instead been spent being bogged down with paperwork. “It cost £300 but I reckon it’s saved us at least 10 times that in avoiding mistakes,” added Nick. The ILRO course covers 13 topics, including health and safety law, financial management, drinks service, product knowledge and stock control. Designed to give landlords the knowledge and skills to run their business effectively, the course is ideal for new landlords, bar staff interested in running their own pub or experienced landlords that want to brush up their skills. “We came away with a huge amount of knowledge and a packed folder full of pretty much everything we needed to hit the ground running,” Nick continued. This folder that attendees take away with them includes essential paperwork, including job descriptions for everyone likely to be working in the pub, lists of opening and closing procedures, legal drinks measures, contracts of employment, handover sheets and even till reconciliation forms. “It would have taken us hours to research these on the internet, that’s assuming we knew what we were looking for in the first place,” added Elaine. “One of the main challenges for a new licensee or manager is to get off to a flying start which will help them become successful in a short space of time,” said BII client development director John Melia. “While many pub companies have been using ILRO actively to support new entrants to the trade, many are not geared up to run the training internally. This has meant that – until now – training to help them in the first few crucial months has been hard to source.”
Demand for the course has been high, and Simon Eyles, commercial manager for Admiral Taverns, explained why he thinks it’s proved such a success. “We offer a constructive and informative course at a really competitive rate,” he said. “The course is a real benefit to new licensees and bar staff, and provides them with the tools to run their businesses more effectively and efficiently”. “The course would be a fantastic starting point at any time,” Elaine continued, “but starting a new business in the middle of winter during a recession meant it was totally essential for us. We think it should be mandatory for anyone going into licensed retailing.” For more information, contact the Admiral Taverns recruitment department on 0845 0708 950.
Admiral Taverns, Steam Mill Building, Steam Mill Street, Chester CH3 5AN Telephone: 01244 321171 info@admiraltaverns.co.uk www.admiraltaverns.com
You & Admiral Taverns – Together we mean business
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AUGUST 7 – 11 England v Australia Ashes fourth test 10 – 11 Carling Cup first round 20 – 24 England v Australia Ashes fifth test 25 –26 Champions League 30 – England v Australia Twenty20 international 30 – Formula 1 Belgium Grand Prix 31 – Summer bank holiday SEPTEMBER 13 – Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix 20 – Premier League Man Utd v Man City 20 – Premier League Chelsea v Tottenham 28 – Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix OCTOBER 4 – Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 4 – Premier League Chelsea v Liverpool 18 – Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix 25 – Premier League Liverpool v Man Utd 31 – Premier League Arsenal v Tottenham