Trust Inns upgrades its support for new licensees

National pub operator Trust Inns has launched a new Business Support Charter to help new licensees over the first critical year of trading.

The Charter launched this month by the Lancashire-based company offers trade newcomers a comprehensive package of support to help their fledgling businesses remain viable.

The new initiative is one of the range of innovations introduced following a "root and branch" review of Trust Inns business across its 600-strong pub estate. The company says it wants to promote "licensee longevity" and cut down the number of business failures, most of which occur during the first 12 months of a new pub career.

The business review also sees the role of business development managers changed with one team exclusively servicing new licensees on short-term agreements and another covering hosts on three and 10-year leases.

In future Trust Inns' leased estate will operate a strict ratio of one BDM to 38 pubs promoting a closer working relationship between landlord and tenant. All Trust Inns licensees will now enjoy trading agreements which include a wet tie on draught and bottled ales, lagers, cider and stout only and immediate £60-a-barrel discounts.

A further development has seen the formation of a "think tank" team of licensees who will engage in regular brainstorming sessions with company heads to help promote new trading and business ideas.

A key element of the support charter for new licensees will be an organised timetable of meetings with BDMs over the opening six months of a tenancy to which both parties will be committed.

Managing director Brian King said: "This new working relationship will enable us to monitor the progress of all new licensees and help them build a strong business.

"The onus is on the BDM as much as the licensee to ensure every facet of the business is covered.

"It amounts to a total rethink in the way Trust Inns treats its licensees, especially first-time entrants."