Leaseback schemes boosts UPC pub numbers
A sale and leaseback deal being offered to freehouse owners is helping Union Pub Company expand its estate. The offer from the tenanted arm of Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries allows licensees to free capital tied up in the freehold of their pub, at the same time enabling them to continue running their business.
UPC acquisitions manager Chris Whirledge said freehold owners are being attracted to UPC's agreement due to the business opportunity as well as the brands and support on offer.
He said: "Our objective is to create the best pubs in the sector by working with licensees and making life easier for them.
"Sale and leaseback is an attractive proposal for the freehold owner, with trade and profits improving almost immediately for the new lessees. It enables them not only to turn around their business's performance, but also gives them access to UPC's unique range of support services and training."
One pub to have taken up the UPC offer is the New Ellistown in Leicestershire. Licensee Valerie McKiernan said: "Our business is already benefiting from the deal, which went really smoothly.
"We attract more customers due to the work carried out on the outside of the building by UPC - the pub looks striking - and the support on offer to us has been excellent.
"Selling the freehold was a big decision for us - one that meant a bit of change for our regular customers as we had to switch lager brands as part of the lease agreement. But it has paid off, and the new beers on the bar are outselling the old."
