Hall & Woodhouse to roll out new tenancy agreements

Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) is to introduce a new three-year tenancy agreement supported by a 12-month support package.

Following a recent tenant survey H&W tenants - who will now be known as 'business partners' - will be offered what the brewer describes as "a number of excellent initiatives, such as the right to renew with no rent reviews, full supply agreement with benefits and a gaming machine profit share of 67 per cent, which is unusual as the industry norm is generally a 50/50 split".

The brewer said the agreement outlines its commitment to deal with all structural repairs. A deposit of £7,500 alongside the value of the fixtures and fittings is required to secure the business, it added.

"Under the new terms, the rent will be set before the start of the agreement and will be subject to an annual adjustment inline with inflation (if inflation is negative then the rent for the business partner will be lowered inline with inflation)," the brewer said.

H&W tenants will also be able to use a simpler stock ordering system.

The support package includes a pre-take over meeting with the area manager, and during months one to three, meetings will take place on accountancy and stocktaking, which move to a quarterly basis for the remainder of the 12-month period.

An energy consultant will also be on hand to discuss with new tenants how they can save money on their utility bills, the brewer said.

Matt Kearsey, Badger Pubs director said that by offering business partners support aimed at building their profits, "running a pub could be a desirable career/lifestyle choice".

"Our agreement has been compiled with the business partner in mind. We have taken the decision to remove the rent review to make it absolutely clear that we are committed to sustaining not penalising our business partner's success so that they can operate pubs in which we can all take pride."

Earlier this week H&W revealed plans to build a new £5m brewery.