The Application Process & What to Expect
First Steps
Browse the latest Charles Wells pubs to let and register for free email updates on pubs to let.
Come along to meet us at one of our informal open events and ask any questions you have. We’re happy to discuss general issues or provide further information on particular opportunities that we have available. Details of these events are posted on our website, or you can call our Customer Recruitment Team on 01234 244423.
Personal Licence
If you're planning to run a pub you'll need a Personal Licence. If you don't already have one, you should take the necessary steps now to avoid delays later on. The minimum qualification you'll need is the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH). This is a one day course with an exam at the end of the day.
See: Getting a Personal Licence and training courses available with Charles Wells.
Application and Credit Check Forms
Once you've decided that you want to apply for a Charles Wells tenancy or lease, complete an application form, plus a credit check form and return them to us.
You can apply online, by post or by calling our Customer Recruitment Team on 01234 244423.
Initial Interview
When we've had a chance to consider your application, you may be invited to attend an initial interview. This will give you and Charles Wells Pub Company the chance to learn more about each other. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have.
Confirmation
After the initial interview, you may be ready to take on a pub business opportunity straight away. In this case, you'll need to formally view the properties we agree could be suitable for you. If we don't have a suitable business opportunity available immediately we’ll put you on our mailing list and keep in touch.
As soon as we have a pub vacancy that we think is right for you, we'll let you know. Alternatively, if you’re not quite ready to run your own pub, we may suggest some training that would assist you in making future applications. It might also be helpful to spend some time working alongside one of our current licensees through the mentoring scheme we run.
Business Plan and Second Interview
If a suitable opportunity is identified, we'll ask you to prepare a business plan for the pub. You'll need to include your ideas for developing the pub's potential.
To assist, we will provide you with a Business, Finance and Marketing plan template, a Shadow Profit & Loss Account, details of drinks purchases made by the business from Charles Wells for the last two years plus MAT (moving annual total) and a current net price list.
Your completed Business Plan and financials must be verified by an accountant and you must be able to provide proof that you have taken independent professional advice. A waiver may apply in certain circumstances and these are detailed in our Code of Practice.
When you've completed the Business Plan, we'll ask you to present it to the Retail Development Manager (RDM) responsible for the pub at a second interview. You'll be asked to expand on your proposals for the pub. You'll also be asked to provide proof of funds, ID proof and a copy of your certificate following completion of the BII Pre Entry Awareness Test (PEAT).
Appointment
If your application for the pub is successful, an offer will be made and confirmed in writing. This will include the legal position or 'Heads of Terms' of the appropriate agreement.
It's essential that you take professional advice at this stage to fully understand the agreement and your obligations in taking over the business. You’ll be expected to attend our five day retailer induction course (CRISP). This will help prepare you for your new business venture and you'll meet a number of key Charles Wells Pub Company staff.
The induction programme also offers the chance to spend time with one of our experienced retailers in their pub. If you need any additional training before taking the pub, we'll arrange this with you prior to the changeover.
You then take over your own pub. Congratulations!
