Becoming a Pub Partner
From the online application to getting the keys to your new pub, our detailed guide describes what to expect during the entry process.
Our step-by-step guide
At Greene King we believe that our Pub Partners are successful entrepreneurs at the heart of a successful pub business. It’s important for us that we have the right partner, in the right pub, with the right agreement and right pub offering.
We’re a business that is regulated by the Pubs Code, and so there are some important steps that need to be taken before we can give you the keys to a Greene King pub.
These steps are the same, regardless of whether you are entering into a tenancy, lease or franchise agreement.
Before you apply, please take the time to read our brochure and are familiar with our operating models and the support we offer.
Application Form
Step 1You’ve identified a pub you’d like to operate with Greene King: to progress with this you will be required to complete an online application form.
Recruitment Team Discussion
Step 2On receipt of your application form, our Recruitment Team will call you to discuss your application and will assess your suitability before moving to the next step.
General Interview
Step 3If your suitability for a pub with us is confirmed, you’ll be invited to attend a General Interview where you’ll meet one of our Business Development Managers.
The purpose of this meeting is for us to tell you more about Greene King Pub Partners and what it means to be a Pub Partner with us.
This also gives us the chance to find out more about you and to understand your intentions in more detail to operate one of our pubs.
Sustainable Business Plan Preparation
Step 4Once your intentions are clear, a more formal meeting will be arranged to discuss the pub and how you will be looking to operate it. This is known as the Pub Specific Interview.
Before this meeting can take place, you will be required to submit to us a Sustainable Business Plan. To help you in the preparation of your Sustainable Business Plan, our Recruitment Team will supply you with all the information you need about the particular pub you are interested in and a specimen copy of the agreement.
Under the Pubs Code, this is known as the Schedule 1 information. Ordinarily, this information will be emailed to you. We’ll also provide you with a business plan template to assist you. You will also be required to obtain independent professional legal and financial advice, in relation to your business plan.
The British Institute of Inn Keeping recommend various trusted advisers. You can access these via the temporary membership provided to you, whilst you are going through this process.
Pub Specific Interview
Step 5You will attend the Pub Specific Interview, where your plans will be discussed in more detail and your business plan reviewed by our Business Development Manager. We will want to ensure that your plans are realistic and that your business plan is sustainable.
At this meeting you will also be required to provide your proof of identity, proof of funding and a British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Pre-Entry Awareness Training certificate.
You’ll receive an interview checklist once this meeting is completed, which will confirm the items our Business Development Manager has discussed with you.
Pub Power Welcome
Step 6Once you’ve found the right pub with us, we want to ensure you have the best possible start in your business and our Welcome programmes will ensure your transition into a Greene King Pub Partners or Franchise pub is a success from the start.
Before you enter your pub you’ll need to attend one of our Welcome inductions which take place at our Head Office in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk every month. We’ll host you over 3 days and share with you the support available to help bring your business plan to life and achieve your personal and business goals.
For franchisees, our Learning & Development Partners will also work closely with you on the run up to taking your pub and ensure your front of house and back of house teams are fully trained on the theory and practical parts of their role, along with supporting your first trading sessions.
Final Approval Meeting
Step 7Following the Pub Specific Interview, we will gain your consent to conduct credit checks.
Subject to the credit checks, you will be invited to a Final Approval Meeting with a senior member of our Operations Team. They will further verify your business plan and confirm in principle your appointment at the pub.
Agreement Documentation Offer Pack
Step 8We'll send you an Agreement Documentation Offer Pack which will include your Heads of Terms outlining the principal terms of your agreement including the nature, scope and extent of your obligations.
If you are entering a Tenancy agreement, you can expect to receive a prepared agreement in readiness for your signature. Lease agreements will be prepared by our solicitors and sent to you or your solicitor for completion.
Pre-Agreement Meeting
Step 9Before you sign your agreement documentation and fully commit yourself and prior to moving into the pub, a Pre-Agreement Meeting will be arranged.
It is at this meeting that our Business Development Manager will undertake a final check with you to ensure that you have a clear understanding of all aspects of the Agreement, our and your responsibilities, the Pubs Code and all other terms of trading with us.
The Big Day!
Known as the Change Day, this will be the day we handover the keys to your new pub business and you move in.
This will be a busy day, however our Business Development Manager will be on hand to assist you with any queries. Be sure to read our Guide to Moving In as this will provide you with a handy checklist ensuring you’ve got key areas and actions covered prior to taking on your Greene King Pub Partners pub.