RETAILERS ARE KEY TO SUCCESS
Charles Wells Pub Company has reinforced its message that good pubs will continue to trade well during the economic climate - but that licensees with strong retailing skills are critical to their success.
Recruiting the best licensees for its estate is of such high priority that the Bedford based company recently ran a workshop for its entire head office team. The half day training outlined the qualities it looks for in its retailers and emphasised what support Charles Wells offers in return. The next step of the company’s licensee recruitment drive is the organisation of a Pub Business Fair to demonstrate the range of internal and external help and advice available to anyone taking a trading agreement with them.
“We know that our business relies on the success of our licensees” explained Sales and Marketing Director Peter Wells “so it’s important for us to attract the best in the business and match them with their ideal pub. We’ve identified the most appropriate trading style for all of our pubs and are in a strong position to recognise the type of operator that would suit the individual styles best. There’s a significant support package available for them and our flexibility enables us to get the right person in the right pub with the right support.”
The workshop provided the basic details needed for all staff – from the finance to property teams – to guide potential licensees through the recruitment process. Individuals from across the company will now attend the Pub Business Fair, offering advice to visitors wanting to find out more about either taking their first tenanted or leased pub, or choosing their first Charles Wells Pub Company trading agreement.
“Licensee recruitment is primarily led by our Retail Development Manager and Recruitment teams but we believe that all our team should be ambassadors for Charles Wells Pub Company” explained Peter Wells. “The Pub Business Fair will bring external specialists together to explain areas such as valuations, stocktaking, licensing and beer quality primarily for the benefit of newcomers to the trade. Experts will also offer advice on how internal support can make a real difference to even the most experienced licensees and this will include our benchmark Profit and Loss accounts, web-based food and drink development programme and marketing action plans. Existing licensee mentors from our estate will also be on hand to give advice from their own experience and offer suggestions as to how successful pubs can overcome the credit crunch and I’m confident that everyone who attends will be able to pick up some useful information” said Wells.
The Pub Business Fair is being held at The Swan Hotel, Bedford from 2pm – 7pm on Wednesday 12th November (details available at www.charleswells.co.uk/home/business-opportunities ).
The company’s commitment to recruitment was recognised when it won the hospitality and leisure recruitment category at the Springboard Awards for Excellence earlier this year. Charles Wells Pub Company is also a founding and active member of the industry website www.mypublife.com which provides an impartial introduction to careers in the licensed trade.
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For Immediate Release: 3rd November 2008
For Further Information, please contact: Kate Hempsall
Tel: + 44 (0)1234 272625
