Fuller's pays for tenants to join BII

By Ewan Turney

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Bii Tenant 2009 singles

Robertson (R) hailed Clist's (L) Fuller's as a forward looking company
Robertson (R) hailed Clist's (L) Fuller's as a forward looking company
Fuller's is the first to pay for all of its tenants to be members of the BII for the duration of their stay with the company.

Fuller's is the first to pay for all of its tenants to be members of the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) for the duration of their stay with the company.

The deal will see the London brewer and operator pay membership fees for all 196 of its tenants.

"The BII is the number-one body representing more people in a professional way in the trade," said Fuller's tenanted operations director Mike Clist. "I believe it is essential for tenants to be members of the BII."

Clist cited recent BII initiatives such as the expert panel of accountants and advisors it is pulling together and its code of practice work, which has supplemented its training brief.

"I am a great supporter of the codes of practice. I always say to tenants, if there is an issue we can't resolve, take it to the BII. That is what it is there for. We stand behind it and are measured by it."

Clist added: "It is not for me to say what other companies should do, but I think all licensees should be BII members."

The membership deal is part of what Clist believes is a "more complete package" for its tenants. It has already capped RPI rent increases to 3%, increased the availability of beer discounts and increased investments in refurbishments.

It is also forking out for two mystery customer visits to each tenanted pub every year. "It is all about raising professional standards in the business," said Clist.

Forward-looking

Sarah Edom, Fuller's tenant at the Old House at Home in Romsey, Hampshire, hailed the news.

"It is another cost off our backs and the BII provides a great service," he said. "I have probably used the BII helpline five times in the eight years I have been here, which doesn't sound a lot, but when you have urgent employment issues it's great to know they are there."

BII chief executive Neil Robertson added: "Fuller's has a great brand and is a forward looking company. We often find its protocols are among the best in the industry. It's good to see them supporting tenants in this way."

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