Enterprise defends actions after couple left 'heartbroken' at pub exit
Helen Ingham and her business partner Phil Flude were told before Christmas that the Oldenburg, Paignton, Devon had been sold.
Ingham had been running the pub for 16 years before declaring bankruptcy in July last year, at which point Flude took over.
He received a letter from Enterprise in early December terminating their tenancy at will agreement on 30 January. But Ingham claims it was not clear that the agreement would only be short-term when they signed up.
She said: “I wouldn’t have parted with my money if it was only going to be for a couple of months. It doesn’t make any sense,” she told the Publican's Morning Advertiser.
After Enterprise cancelled a meeting with them on 5 January, Ingham said: “Enterprise hasn’t offered us help in anyway. Nobody has sat down face to face with us and there haven’t been any discussions.”
Enterprise response
A spokesperson for Enterprise said Ingham had received a “significant amount” of support prior to forfeiting her lease.
Enterprise said: “Mr Flude was made fully aware from the outset that this was a short-term agreement, and they were both also aware that the pub had been openly marketed as a business opportunity via our website since the middle of 2013.
“Following significant interest in the pub from another party, Mrs Ingham and Mr Flude were given the opportunity to apply to take on The Oldenburg under a full, long-term agreement.
“As part of the process, our regional manager met them to discuss the required business plan. However, this was found to be incomplete, and on final assessment of both candidates, the strength of the other interested party’s application led to them being selected to take on The Oldenburg.”
Ingham added: “Enterprise think they made it clear but they didn’t. I’m just shell-shocked at the moment and the customers are upset. This is a community pub - I do washing for a homeless gentleman and I take an old lady to visit her husband’s grave. It’s heartbreaking. ”
