A seamless step into pub ownership with Belhaven Pub Partners

Highlights:

• Smooth transition from employed manager to self-employed pub operator.
• Strong, consistent BDM relationships and clear lines of communication.
• The freedom to run his business his way, backed by trusted business support.

The Challenge

Having previously managed pubs with Belhaven, James Torrance knew the company well. But moving from full-time employment into running his own pub was still a significant move.

“It was a very seamless transition from being employed to becoming self-employed,” James explains. “I knew the company, but the support when you first step into the business is there 100%.”

Self-employment can feel complex, particularly when navigating new responsibilities, financial accountability and maintaining strong local trade. However, James found reassurance in the clarity and structure of the partnership.

“You certainly weren’t dealing with 10 or 12 different people. You’re dealing with one, two or three.”

That streamlined communication made the process manageable and allowed James to focus on building performance from day one.

The Solution

For James, the strength of the relationship with his Business Development Manager (BDM) has been central to his success.

“The relationship’s been very strong, and I’ve had some very good BDMs.”

He values not only the support available, but the understanding shown by Belhaven Pub Partners. “The BDMs understand the pressures. The lines of communication are always present. If there’s ever a need for support, it’s not difficult to get a hold of your BDM.”

Crucially, the partnership offers flexibility. “Being able to make decisions knowing something is going to work — and not having to go through the rigmarole of convincing somebody else — that’s important.”

James recognises that effective business support doesn’t mean constant oversight. “They seem to understand who their tenants are. If you need guidance, they give it. But if they can leave you alone and let you do your own thing, they do that.”

With a firm understanding of the sector and a structured yet flexible approach, Belhaven provides both strategic support and the freedom operators need to grow.

The Result

Today, James enjoys the rewards of running his pub business independently — with the confidence that support is always there when required.

“The most rewarding thing is when you go home at the end of the week and the pub’s had a dynamite week and the customer feedback shows that.”

Through balanced investment, trusted communication and a partnership built on mutual respect, James has been able to grow strong local trade while running his business in a way that suits him.

“The freedom’s there. Belhaven let me do my thing and I trust them to allow me to run my business as I see fit.”

By combining independence with reliable business support, James has created a thriving pub business with the backing of a partner who understands the industry. 

Inspired by James' story? Find out how Belhaven can give you the freedom to run your pub, your way.

View our available pubs to let

 

Full transcript:

James Torrance is no stranger to Belhaven, having managed pubs with them before. So, when he decided it was time to take on his own pub, Belhaven Pub Partners was the obvious choice.

We spoke to James about the ongoing support he receives, as well as the freedom the relationship affords him to do his own thing.

James – “It was a very seamless transition from being employed to becoming self-employed. I knew the company, I'd worked with the company for a number of years but the support when you first step into the business is there 100%.”

“You certainly weren't dealing with 10/12 different people. You're dealing with one, two or three, and my background having worked with independents certainly helped that but Greene King/Belhaven was able to support that.”

“Relationships been very strong and I've had some very good BDMs.”

“Flexibility - being able to make decisions knowing something or thinking something is going to work and not having to go through the rigmarole of trying to convince somebody else that it's going to work.

“The most rewarding thing is when you go home at the end of the week and the pubs had a dynamite week and the customer feedback shows that.”

“They seem to understand who their tenants or operators are and if you do need a little bit more guidance or help, I think that they do so. But if they think they can leave you alone and let you do your own thing, they do that.”

“The BDMs understand the pressures. The lines of communication are always present though. If there's ever a need, or support, or if Colin needs to speak to me or I need to speak to him, it's not difficult to get a hold of your BDM.”

“They have a firm understanding of what's happening within our sector. And certainly, made they feel valued. The freedom's there. Belhaven let me do my thing and I trust them allow me to run my business as I see fit.”