Thwaites' lower risk agreement

Daniel Thwaites, the Lancashire brewer and pub operator, has launched its WayInn agreement, a revenue sharing model, which it says provides a lower risk entry to the pub market for individuals who either "do not have the necessary funds to invest in taking on a tenancy or are risk averse".

Under the new scheme, a pub operator runs the premises with the guidance of an experienced area business manager, to an agreed business plan.

Thwaites said that this would focus on delivery of "high-quality products, excellent standards and merchandising, great customer service and lots of activities".

A comprehensive three-day training course is provided under the agreement.

The company said that managers under the new agreement are guaranteed a weekly income of £200 or 15% of total weekly sales, with the group responsible for all other pub running costs, ranging from the likes of utility bills and Sky costs (where appropriate) to business rates and product costs. Six Thwaites pubs are already operating under the WayInn agreement.

Andrew Buchanan, director of pub operations at Thwaites, said: "The WayInn agreement gives people an opportunity to set up their own business without having to find the initial investment, and get valuable experience with our support."