Punch boosts training regime

Punch licensees have completed over 1,485 days worth of training since the new year, the pubco has said.

Punch introduced its "Your Development Portfolio" at the end of last year, which links licensee training with one-to-one meetings they have with their business relationship managers to ensure training is relevant.

"The whole basis is to provide a more bespoke and personalised package for licensees that genuinely adds value — whether they have been in the trade for years or are completely new to the industry," said Punch operations director Kevin Georgel.

"In addition we have built in an incentive for licensees — if they complete their development portfolio within six months they will receive £600 cash back."

The training portfolio includes cellar training, stock management, marketing and staff management as well as practical business workshops in financial management, chalk boarding, catering and customer service.

Punch licensee, Louise Hedges of The Biddestone Arms in Chippenham, said: "The biggest thing I learnt was the impact that marketing and merchandising can have.

"I have learnt to look at my pub through my customers' eyes and teach my team to do the same."