Punch reveals new training scheme

Punch has revealed its new training scheme for incoming tenants and lessees.

New tenants and lessees are to complete a "foundation week" before entering the pub. This includes a five-day course, with subjects including managing people and training, retail standards and marketing, and finance.

Their business relationship manager (BRM) will visit them in their pubs within the first two weeks in the pub.

And within the first four weeks, the licensees will spend a "development planning day", including training in the pub cellar, with an independent consultant.

There will also be a series of structured visits with their BRM and "other training specialists" over the next five months.

The company said its part of Punch's Ready for Business scheme, which includes a promise to invest in its pubs immediately after the lease is handed back.

Punch Partnerships managing director Roger Whiteside said: "Once we have recruited the right partner, it is critical that those who require a good grounding in the pub industry receive foundation training, which is both tailored to their specific needs and completed prior to the first day in their new pub.

"We're delighted to see over 95% of partners completing training before taking possession of their new pub.

"This, combined with our commitment to bring every pub up to standard as soon as we get it back, will enable our partners to focus solely on trade building right from the off."

He added: "Providing the right support to our partners in those early trading days will be critical to their long term success.

"We've completely moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach and responded to our partners' feedback. No two pubs are the same and neither are our partners and that will absolutely be reflected in the training and ongoing support they receive from Punch."