S&NPC launches business plan scheme for potential licensees

Prospective lessees will need to create a clear, timetabled action plan for their first year including how much income they need each month and how they are going to generate that turnover.

They will also need to think through all aspects of the business, including why they want to run that pub, their vision, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the competition and a robust plan including personnel, promotions, pricing and capex.

Every plan will need a detailed financial forecast for the first year including a monthly P&L with break even and target sales figures as well as cash-flow projections and a projected balance sheet for the first 12 months of trading.

The pubco has negotiated a £250 business planning and approval service with three industry accountancy firms.

Alternatively, applicants can opt to use another expert of their choice as long as they follow S&NPC’s business plan format.

S&NPC’s head of business support Chris Sladen said: “It will enable applicants to gain a more realistic view of running a pub, clearly highlight the risks and opportunities and make sure they have the business skills and financial knowledge to make a success of it before they make any commitment.

“Successful applicants who decide to proceed will be able to hit the ground running with a strong blueprint for success.”

Sladen added that the new planning process will also help S&NPC locate the right operators for its pubs.