The couple from the Ye Old Sun Inn in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire will join a 45-strong team of BII mentors who offer first-hand advice and guidance to licensees on a range of subjects. This can be anything such as acquiring funding or staff training.
Tim Hulme, chief executive of the BII said: “Unsurprisingly the BII Business Mentor initiative is one of our most highly valued member benefits, especially among freehouse licensees who sometimes feel quite isolated without the support of a managed or tenanted pub company.
“All of our mentors are hugely experienced professionals who bring masses of enthusiasm and great ideas, helping new licensees get off on the right foot, as well as problem-solving or providing support to established, successful businesses keen to develop and expand. Our mentors provide solid, workable solutions, face-to-face whenever possible, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Business advice
"Mentees have reported increased profits, happier customers, more motivated staff and in some cases mentors have ‘saved their business’. We’re delighted to have Ashley and Kelly on board.
"The initiative is part of our on-going plans to reshape the BII and provide relevant, valuable business advice and support to our members.”
Ashley McCarthy said: "From day one of our BII membership we have always made a point of networking, asking other publicans for their advice and direction on how they do things well, and we’ve got so much out of doing that.
"The mentoring scheme makes that kind of advice easily accessible for all BII members. We’re happy to help where we can, passing on our knowledge based on our experience."
The roll-out is part of a new BII membership package which currently includes buying group discounts with savings of up to 25% and BII expert helplines that offer free advice on topics including licensing, HR and employment, property, legal and financial support.