Ten Steps To Becoming A Hive or Nest Franchisee
From your online application to getting the keys to your pub, here’s what happens once you’ve decided to take your next career step and want to start running your very own Hive or Nest pub!
Step 1 – Online Application
Once you’ve decided that Greene King is the pub company for you, the first step is complete our online application form – here you’ll be asked a series of questions such as which style of agreement you’re interested in / what experience do you have / how much capital you’re looking to invest / which location you’d like to run a pub in.
By answering these questions upfront, that allows our team to best place your application and cross reference your suitability with the pubs we have available.
Please visit our homepage to start your application form, or it’s accessible via each pub listing: www.greenekingpubs.co.uk.
Step 2 – Recruitment Team Call
After completing your application form, you will receive a call from our recruitment team within two working days to discuss your application,
This screening call will be an informal chat with one of the Greene King Pub Partners team to answer any initial questions you might have, chat through the potential franchise pubs you are interested in and check that your business goals align with Greene King.
If the call goes well from both sides, you’ll then move onto…
Step 3 – General Interview
You will have a general interview with one of our Business Development Managers (BDM’s).
At this in-person meeting, you will have a chance to outline your vision for your potential new pub, what you think you can bring to the table and it’s also a chance to find out more about Greene King Pub Partners, how the relationship works and the partnership you’ll be entering into.
If you are successful in your application, your BDM will be your first port of call and is there to guide you every step of the way so it’s really key to build a positive relationship from the off.
Step 4 – Business Plan Prep
We will ask you to prepare a business plan but don’t panic! We send you the Schedule 1 information required under the Pubs Code which allows you to go away and seek your own professional advice as you start to build your business plan.
If you don’t have experience in writing business plans, then we will provide a wealth of information to help you. We’ll supply a business plan template to guide you and explain exactly what needs to be included. We’ll be looking for you to detail your goals for the business and how you hope to achieve them.
Step 5 - Training
Training is mandatory for all our franchisees so we can ensure that you and your pub get off to a fantastic start.
The Greene King training team will run a four-day induction programme at our head office in Bury St Edmunds which you will have to attend prior to entering your pub.
The training team, supported by subject matter experts, will cover several topics over these four days, from sales plans and cash flow, to looking at how to best utilise the systems we provide, to ensure you have the necessary controls in place to protect your profit.
Along with the induction, you will also be given access to a learning management system where you will need to complete critical modules prior to entering your pub, such as Allergens, Food Safety and Health & Safety.
Step 6 – Pub Specific Interview
You will attend a pub specific interview where we review your plans, the pub and the Pub Franchise Agreement in more detail.
You will be required to provide your proof of identity (passport/birth certificate for example), proof of funds and also to show your British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Pre-Entry Awareness Training certificate.
Your BDM will also ask in more detail about your experience of pub management and what success looks like for you.
Step 7 – Final Approval Meeting
Subject to final credit checks, a final approval meeting will be held, where a senior member of our Franchise team will further verify your experience and background.
If you are successful, we will confirm in principle your appointment at the pub and progress with the formal contracts known as…
Step 8 – Pub Franchise Agreement
We will provide you with a Pub Franchise Agreement which comes as documentation offer pack and outlines the terms of your agreement including the nature, scope and extent of your obligations.
Step 9 – Pre-Agreement Meeting
Before you sign your Pub Franchise Agreement and fully commit yourself, a pre-agreement meeting will be arranged. This is to ensure you understand everything you need to know about the pub, the agreement and ensure you are clear about yours and our responsibilities.
Step 10 – The Big Day
Also known as Change Day – this is the day you will get the keys to your new pub franchise!
It will be a busy day, but your BDM will be on hand to assist and ensure the day runs as smoothly as possible. This is also the day where you transfer the agreed funds to Greene King so your journey as a Greene King franchisee can officially begin!
If you would like to start your Greene King Franchisee journey, please give us a call on 01284 843200 or use our Live Chat functionality to discuss more!