Pub managers! Ever thought of running your own pub?

Managing a pub offers a feeling like no other. Picture the scene… you’re standing behind the bar, scanning a bustling, buzzy atmosphere full of customers who are happy and enjoying the moment. You know you’re doing your job well.

But what if this picture could look even better? What if it was your own pub that you were running? Not just managing but as the franchisee; reaping real rewards and making a difference. 

Experienced pub managers make fantastic franchisees as you know what’s what – who to hire, what drives sales and the passion needed to make it profitable.

All of the key elements from your current role transfer easily into that of a franchisee. You’re already familiar with licensing laws, customer relationships and how to sell, not forgetting all the hands-on tasks such as changing kegs, ordering beer and managing staff.

And while it might feel like a big leap from managing a pub to running one, a Greene King Pub Franchise (also known as a managed operator agreement) offers the perfect, low-risk opportunity to help you achieve your ambitions and go from employee to employer.

So, if you’re looking to take that leap, here’s what you need to consider:

How much will it cost me?

If you’re looking for a low-cost investment, then franchise is an attractive proposition.

At Greene King, franchisees pay an entry cost of between £3,000-£5,000 to secure their pub and this includes agreement fees and on-site training too.

Our franchise pubs can be up and running quickly, as they’re ‘ready to go’ pubs. As a self-employed manager, you can be guaranteed a return on your investment and enjoy multiple ways in which you can earn from the business.

But how does franchise work? Will I be in charge?

With our franchise models, although the support is there for you, for example, food and drink offerings are taken care of and you have a dedicated Business Development Manager (BDM) on hand, you still have the freedom to run the pub and demonstrate your entrepreneurial abilities.

You’ll be fully self-employed so you’re the boss. You’ll also need to set up a limited company and become VAT registered.

The staff will be employed and managed by you, and insurances (such as public liability and contents insurance for private accommodation), TV licence and council tax for private accommodation will also be your responsibility.

However, everything else is covered by us so you can get on with the business of running the pub.

How do I know what sort of pub I want to run?

At Greene King, we have two managed operator agreements to suit your requirements:

Our Hive pub franchise includes a great value, good quality food offer, which focuses on pub classics, alongside an excellent drinks range.

While our Nest pubs – focus on a wet-led approach, alongside a simple pizza offer that’s easy to cook and serve – you don’t even need a chef – combined with the same excellent drinks range as Hive.

So, you can decide which option best suits your experience and ambition.

What experience or training do I need?

As a pub manager, you’ve got it! You’re perfectly placed to step into the role of franchisee as you already have the day-to-day knowledge of how to run a pub.

And if you are ambitious and entrepreneurial, a real go-getter that knows how to deliver brilliant customer experiences and someone that wants to make their mark on the local community – then it’s likely to be a perfect match.

Transferable skills from your current role of pub manager to that of self-employed manager include maintaining high standards, excellent admin skills, team leadership abilities and a drive to succeed.

At Greene King our initial training will cover Safestart, BII Cellar Training, Food Safety Level 2, Systems Training, 4-day welcome induction plus, our very popular pre-opening on-site training at your property.

How do I earn money within a franchise concept?

For Hive, you have a low ingoing cost of £5,000 – but once that’s paid, you can be guaranteed a minimum income of £20,000 per annum. You’ll also receive a percentage of the Net Weekly Turnover (variable by pub), a quarterly percentage of business profits and an annual bonus for meeting compliance audits. So, the better the business does, the better your rewards.

For Nest, the ingoing cost is even lower (at £3,000) and although there isn’t the same guaranteed £20,000 as in Hive, you don’t need expensive kitchen teams, therefore significantly reducing your overheads. It’s a simple pizza food offer that the waiting staff can deliver and serve from the back of the bar. 

And much like Hive, you also receive a percentage of the Net Weekly Turnover (variable by pub), a quarterly percentage of business profits and an annual bonus for meeting compliance audits.

Also, there’s no ceiling! So, if you’re working with the right team, and train them to provide exceptional service and maximise upselling opportunities, there’s going to be more money in your pocket as you’re making the most of spend per head and keeping your customers coming back for more. 

Am I ready for the next step?

Being the boss does come with great responsibility – as the face and brains of the business, you’re in charge of running the pub and making all the key decisions. It’s your reputation on the line at the end of the day.

You will be the self-employed manager so you’re responsible for paying VAT, for hiring the staff and managing their wages, NI contributions, sick pay, maternity, paternity, plus not forgetting the insurances (such as liability), TV licence and Council Tax.

However, with that increased responsibility, comes a greater reward. The more profitable your pub is, the bigger the financial rewards you’ll earn as part of your managed operator agreement.

And it comes with a reduced level of risk too – although you’re in charge, you have the safety net of a BDM who can support you at every turn. And with all the fixtures and fittings provided by Greene King, you can turn up and get on with what you do best – running a pub.