Guide to Running a Pub
5 Essential Elements for Running a Pub Successfully
1. Property
A pub that's well decorated and maintained inside and out will keep customers coming back as well as make a great place to work and live. Every year we invest in refurbishments as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring our pubs are the envy of all and look for suitable new pubs to buy to make our estate as competitive as possible.
Click here to search for pubs to let by property type
2. Location
Picking the right location for the type of pub you want to run is essential. Our estate of over 250 pubs stretches across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London and Essex. Our pubs sit in the heart of their communities providing good catchment areas and the opportunity be the focal point for the local population - in other words, they're the first choice of pubs for their local consumers.
Click here to search for pubs to let by location
3. One Size Doesn't Fit All
The pub trade is about people and it can't be automated. One to one contact with someone who gets to know you and your business over time is the only way to provide a truly personal service. Our Retail Development Managers (RDMs) have one of the lowest numbers of pubs to support in the industry and visit each pub every quarter to carry out a comprehensive business review form that helps assess your business and the relevant support you might need from Charles Wells. And what's more, they seem to like their work because they have been with us for years. So when we say you get a dedicated RDM, we mean it!
Click here to discover how our RDMs and the rest of the team support you in running a pub
4. Your Business, Your way
Who's taking the risk here? Who's the one on the front line? You. Micro managing is not our style. It's your business so it's up to you to manage it and make the decisions. That's why we offer you a choice of introductory, traditional pub tenancy or assignable lease agreements that range from just 1 year up to 20 years. These are backed up with an unrivalled business support package to suit your needs and which contributed to us being named Pub Company of the Year (200+ tenanted/leased) at The Publican Awards in 2009 and for a second year running in 2010.
Click here for more information on the choice of tenancy and lease agreements we offer
5. Training and Induction
We all need support and advice, so we provide back-up when it's needed. From our purpose built Grade One B.I.I.A.B approved Eagle Centre and Lakeview House headquarters in Bedford, we offer a comprehensive training programme. Our induction programme (CRISP) won the BII NITA in 2007 and in 2010 received accreditation under their Good Practice Recognition Scheme (GPRS) for excellence in preparing new licensees for running their own pub. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we are here for you. With training in cellar management, employment law, safety and risk assessment and expert advice in marketing, property, finance and more we help you with the challenges you'll face - both big and small.
Click here to discover how we can support you in running a pub
Is it Time for a Change?
If you are interested in running a pub with Charles Wells here's how to find out more:
- Search our pubs to let and find your ideal pub.
- Sign-up to our Pub to Let Email Alerts and get details of pubs to let as soon as they become available.
- Find out if running a pub is for you with our 18 questions to ask yourself.
- How to apply and what to expect.
- What is a personal licence and how to obtain one.
- Read our Running a Pub with Charles Wells FAQs.
