Transforming Potential into Performance: Hailey and Jack at The Marquis of Granby 

Introductory Highlights

• A fully invested franchise pub transformed into a thriving local success.
• A low-risk, low-cost entry model backed by expert business support.
• Greater freedom, stronger local trade and improved work-life balance.

The Challenge

Hailey Body and Jack Izzard brought years of hospitality experience to the table, including time spent working in Greene King managed pubs. They loved the industry and had long harboured ambitions to run their own pub. However, stepping away from stable, salaried roles into business ownership required careful consideration.

For Hailey in particular, the decision meant weighing financial security against opportunity. Hospitality can demand long hours, and work-life balance had previously been difficult to achieve. At the same time, they recognised that The Marquis of Granby in Stevenage was not reaching its full potential. The pub required meaningful investment and a fresh, entrepreneurial approach to unlock stronger local trade.

They needed a model that reduced risk, provided structure, and allowed them to step up confidently — both professionally and personally.

The Solution

Greene King Pub Partner’s Hive franchise model provided exactly that. Designed as a low-risk, low-cost entry into running your own pub, the concept combines independence with comprehensive business support.

Significant investment transformed The Marquis of Granby, giving Hailey and Jack a high-quality, ready-to-trade pub. The refurbishment and strategic improvements created the right environment for growth, which Hailey describes as a major reason for their current success.

From the outset, they were given the operational tools and guidance needed to drive performance. Structured support, regular communication and access to a wider franchise network ensure they never feel isolated. Their relationship with their Business Development Manager is close and collaborative — offering both professional insight and personal encouragement.

Importantly, the franchise model provides regular income alongside performance-related rewards. This balance gives them the confidence to invest time and energy into growing sales, knowing that strong results directly benefit them.

The Result

The transformation has delivered both commercial and lifestyle success. The pub is now thriving, with increased sales and stronger local trade. The more they invest effort into driving the business, the greater the rewards.

Beyond financial performance, the franchise model has enabled a healthier work-life balance. Hailey now spends more time with her children while maintaining greater financial stability than before. The flexibility to shape their own schedules — combined with the partnership and investment of Greene King Pub Partners — has created a sustainable, rewarding career path.

With the backing of expert business support, a strong investment programme and the freedom to lead with their own energy, Hailey and Jack are relishing life as franchise partners.

Ready to Run Your Own Franchise Pub?

If you’re motivated, entrepreneurial and ready to take the next step with the support of meaningful investment and expert business support, explore the opportunities available on our Pubs to Let page and discover how Greene King Pub Partners can help you unlock a pub’s full potential.

View our available pubs to let

Full transcript:

At Greene King, we continue to invest considerable sums into our franchise estate. As a result, The Marquis of Granby in Stevenage is a pub that has undergone a complete transformation.

Hailey Body and Jack Izzard possessed years of hospitality experience, including working in Greene King’s managed pubs. However, they quickly recognised how our franchise offer ticked all their boxes from both a professional and lifestyle point of view. And now, they are relishing the opportunity of running their own pub in partnership with Greene King.

Penny Bruce, Franchise Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners – “Greene King has been operating franchise pubs since 2021 with both Hive and Nest, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to partner with brilliant franchisees who are really innovative and entrepreneurial, stepping up to run their own pub. It’s a low-risk, low-cost entry, and they’ve got the support of us behind them as well.”

Hailey – “I just love running pubs. It’s in my bones — everything about it. At the beginning, I was a bit uncertain because I was in a job and had a good salary. Actually, financially we are better off with the Hive concept. It has got a lot less risk involved. This is a great concept, so that’s why we went for it.”

Jack – “The pub needed investment — it just wasn’t being used to its full potential.

Hailey – “I honestly couldn’t believe the change. They really did put a lot of time and effort into the pub, and that is a massive reason why we are succeeding the way we are.

Jack – “The support you get to set up in the first place is brilliant. They give you the tools you need and help you use them in any way you need to drive the business.”

Hailey – “Communication is massive — it’s huge. You definitely have a lot of help. There’s a big community network between us and the BDMs across Greene King in general. We’ve got such a fantastic bond with our BDM, to the point where it he actually feels like a friend.”

Jack – “If you’re driven and motivated and want to put the effort in, it’s so much more rewarding than managed. You also get to plan your own life.”

Hailey – “In hospitality, because of the hours, you need to make sure you’ve got a life as well — and you can do that with this concept. When I worked full-time, I was doing between 60 and 70 hours a week. I didn’t see my children. Now I’ve managed to have more time with my children and a more stable life financially, doing the same — if not better.”

Jack – “The support and the pay structure from Greene King is perfect. There’s a lot more freedom. You still get your income coming in very regularly.

Hailey – “The more you push your pub, the more you drive your pub, the more sales you get, the better we do. We’ve got such a strong relationship in all areas. You’ve got them as a partner, but you also have the flexibility to make it your own. I would recommend it to anyone.”