Punch redevelops customer training

Punch Taverns new customer training package will incentivise trainees, who can get almost 50% of their money back, based on their success.

Punch's new "development portfolio" has been designed with the help of industry experts and customers alike, in order to present a "much more bespoke experience" relying on input from the customers themselves.

A course costing around £1,195 is recommended for prospective tenants who are new to the trade. They can recoup up to £600 over the course of their "flying start visits" — the first seven visits from their business development manager (BDM).

Jacqui Grundy, head of customer and operational training at Punch Taverns, said: "In the past customers have paid for training and that was it. End of story. But we've noticed a marked difference in the success of those who have undertaken it and those who haven't. That's why we want to encourage more people to do it."

The new programme consists of practical activities based around a wet-led community pub, a city centre venue with some food, and a mid-market pub with a large food offering. Trainees choose the pub type which most closely corresponds with the pub they want to run.

The course has a broad base and covers managing finance and staff, payroll and recruitment. More advanced one-to-ones are tailored for each pub and include how to target customers and develop staff. BDMs will also help draw-up an action plan. After four to six months trainees cover the most advanced modules, including how to advance business profits through beer.

The first course begins on 12 January 2009.