Since 2012, Pub is The Hub has advised and supported over 200 community groups at the first decision making stage with fundraising, ownership and options available to form a legal entity.
John Longden, chief executive for Pub is The Hub said: “As an organisation we have stopped short of offering groups business advice regarding operational matters as that did not fall into our area of expertise but in this unique partnership with the BII we know that this year’s complimentary membership opens up a world of essential and professional hands-on support, particularly in that first crucial trading year.”
Along with the one year’s free membership (which already includes a buying group, online support tools and a free legal helpline), the scheme also offers free online pre-entry awareness training (PEAT) for a member of group and support from ex-BII Licensees of the Year to act as mentors.
Packs
Information packs and letters have been sent to successful groups that have taken over pubs in the last year - and trial mentoring exercises are currently in process.
One of the pubs which is taking part is The Dog Inn, Belthorn, near Blackburn which was the first community owned freehouse in Lancashire.
Kathryn Sharpe, who is a nurse and secretary to the board running The Dog Inn at Belthorn, has found the mentoring exercise invaluable saying that having never run a pub before, they are learning as they go.
Access
She added: “This membership provides us with access to people who can help and I can’t tell you what a relief that is.”
Mike Clist, managing director for the BII explained as supporters of Pub is The Hub, they are “delighted” to develop it further with the community groups getting the BII membership.
He also said: “This will give them access to our full range of member benefits which include legal, licensing, HR helplines as well as preferential supplier discounts, support tools and mentors to give them the best possible start to their pub business.”