Punch Taverns on course to reach area manager qualification target

The pub operator said the BIIAB Award in Hospitality Business Management, which it helped pilot in 2011, is now an integral part of its induction programme. It added that all new area managers – known as partnership development managers (PDMs) – will work towards the qualification.

The award was set up following the recommendations of a 2010 Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report, which identified a need for area managers across the industry to demonstrate that they had the business skills to provide licensees with sound and profitable business advice.

Jackie Burn, HR director for Punch Taverns, said developing staff is paramount in providing business support to licensees.

She explained: “At Punch, we are always striving to build talent and for our PDMs to perform at their best.

“We were able to tailor to the needs of the PDM role and the business to comply with our Code of Practice. This then also provided a clear pathway for anyone who wished to progress their learning further.

“I would like to say congratulations to all of the PDMs and other field team members for their hard work and dedication in completing their qualification. The rest are on track to complete by the end of this financial year.”