What Happens Next
If you are successful in obtaining the pub a "Heads of Terms" letter will be sent to you. This will confirm the main details of the agreement we discussed with you at the final interview. Once this has been signed and returned, the BDM will help you work towards the exciting day you take over your pub. A Countdown to Takeover document, which you will find very useful, is available on our web site. It is normally expected that completion will occur around six to eight weeks after you have signed and returned the Heads of Terms.
On Appointment To Your House
As part of taking over one of our houses we will insist that you hold certain certificates and attend certain training courses with us.
If you do not already hold them you will need to take and pass the following five courses within six months of taking over your pub:
1. National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders
This is the certificate required by all local authorities before granting a personal licence. If you do not already hold a personal licence, don't worry as we will arrange for you to sit one of the regular courses held at Fuller’s.
2. Basic Food Hygiene
A course for everyone who works in or supervises the catering part of the business and a must for all would be tenants and lessees. Again we hold these courses regularly and it will provide you with the minimum standard of understanding in respect of good hygiene practices. The exam is certificated by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene.
3. Cellar Management & Wine Appreciation
This course is essential to anyone taking a Fuller's pub and must be sat within two months of taking one of our pubs. The course is a full day covering cask beer management and dispense, manual handling and the health and safety implications of working in a cellar environment. On passing you will be awarded the BIIAB Award In Cellar Quality. Also included in the day is an introduction to the extensive range of wines available from Fuller’s.
4. Fuller's Finance Course
We have introduced a policy of open book accounting at Fuller's. This means your accountant will be required to help you set up the business and provide monthly and annual accounts. You will also need to have regular stocktakes to make sure the business is on the right track. Your accountant will be asked to sign up to a scheme which informs Fuller's if your business runs into difficulties particularly in the first year. The course will introduce you to the minimum bookwork and record keeping you will be required to keep to assist the accountant in preparing these figures, plus the benefits of regular stocktaking.
5. Fuller's Marketing Course
An introduction to the basic marketing requirements that will assist you in making sure you target your customer market place. It will also help you with the marketing of products available from Fuller's and outside suppliers.
Ongoing Training
There are further courses available to you, which are designed to help you comply with current legislation and develop your own personal skills. The courses constantly change and we will keep you up to date via newsletters, our website www.fullers.co.uk and through your business development manager as to the latest available.