Frequently Asked Questions
- Will my Resettlement Entitlements cover the cost of the 4 week Course?
- My unit has told me I must use Service Accommodation whilst on Resettlement
- Many pubs have closed especially since 'the smoking ban' is 'The Trade' still a viable career option?
- What is the most Favoured Career Option for Serviceleavers Employed or Self-Employed?
- Do you recommend being a self employed tenant licensee straight from the Resettlement Programme?
- How much does it cost to enter the trade?
- Do I need a partner to come in with me?
- How much can I expect to earn?
- How soon do I need to apply?
- What about my family?
- How long does the training last?
- Will the qualification I receive from the Resettlement Course be nationally recognised?
- What if I have more questions?
Q: Will my Resettlement Entitlements cover the cost of the 4 week Course?
A: Yes, if you are eligible for at least 20 days GRT. However, if you are a Medical Discharge special provisions may be available-please check with you Resettlement/Education Office for clarification.
A: Yes, if you are eligible for at least 20 days GRT. However, if you are a Medical Discharge special provisions may be available-please check with you Resettlement/Education Office for clarification.
Q: My unit has told me I must use Service Accommodation whilst on Resettlement
A: Wrong! This is a Residential Course involving some anti-social working hours,so this one is 'dead in the water'.The nearest Service Accommodation to us is at Fulwood Barracks where there is 'no room at the inn' and they will issue a Certificate of non-availability if requested to do so..
A: Wrong! This is a Residential Course involving some anti-social working hours,so this one is 'dead in the water'.The nearest Service Accommodation to us is at Fulwood Barracks where there is 'no room at the inn' and they will issue a Certificate of non-availability if requested to do so..
Q: Many pubs have closed especially since 'the smoking ban' is 'The Trade' still a viable career option?
A: Most definately 'Yes'. The Managed House Sector is booming, and there is a current shortage of 'Talent' coming into the Business. Many unprofitable pubs have been closing over the last 10 years (nearly all small 'Tenancies' that have either been unwilling or unable to respond to the changes in customer requirements), with the smoking ban merely speeding the process up a bit. The Managed House Sector had the resourses to build high quality 'Smoking Accommodation' and the vision to develop the Food, Family, Cask Ale, Music and Entertainment Trade. Also 'Young People's Venues'are 'on the up' with the increase in the 'Female Market'(their clothes no longer stink of fag smoke)
A: Most definately 'Yes'. The Managed House Sector is booming, and there is a current shortage of 'Talent' coming into the Business. Many unprofitable pubs have been closing over the last 10 years (nearly all small 'Tenancies' that have either been unwilling or unable to respond to the changes in customer requirements), with the smoking ban merely speeding the process up a bit. The Managed House Sector had the resourses to build high quality 'Smoking Accommodation' and the vision to develop the Food, Family, Cask Ale, Music and Entertainment Trade. Also 'Young People's Venues'are 'on the up' with the increase in the 'Female Market'(their clothes no longer stink of fag smoke)
Q: What is the most Favoured Career Option for Serviceleavers Employed or Self-Employed?
A: Definitely Employed. You can join at whatever point of entry suits you best according to your ambition,circumstances and experience.
A: Definitely Employed. You can join at whatever point of entry suits you best according to your ambition,circumstances and experience.
Q: Do you recommend being a self employed tenant licensee straight from the Resettlement Programme?
A: In 'a nutshell', no we don't. The current climate of underinvestment, rising utility bills and high rents being charged has made many parts of this Sector of The Industry a complete 'no, no' for Serviceleavers. However, there are some 'good deals' out there but these tend to be with the old style 'Regional Brewer', with the majority of successful operations being 'Food Led'. If you are committed to 'going down this road' then Herron House will give you every assistance both during the course and 'when you are in 'situ'.
A: In 'a nutshell', no we don't. The current climate of underinvestment, rising utility bills and high rents being charged has made many parts of this Sector of The Industry a complete 'no, no' for Serviceleavers. However, there are some 'good deals' out there but these tend to be with the old style 'Regional Brewer', with the majority of successful operations being 'Food Led'. If you are committed to 'going down this road' then Herron House will give you every assistance both during the course and 'when you are in 'situ'.
Q: How much does it cost to enter the trade?
A: For Management - in most cases absolutely nothing, however if you are asked for money - and there are some companies out there who are operating on the "fringe of legality" - be careful ... ask questions ... or better still - ask us!
For Tenancy - £8,000 - £60,000. The 'ingoing' figure would normally involve fixtures and fittings, valuation/legal fees, security deposit and some working capital. Some companies are so desperate to let these pubs they'll even lend you the money to get in. However, a good tenancy can be had for around £20,000 - £45,000.
For Leasehold - usually £50,000 to £200,000 and over. There are many complications and pitfalls to leasing. Not recommended for inexperienced Service Leavers ... proceed with caution.
For Freehouses - either purchased outright or with the help of bank/brewery/company finance. From £250,000 to over £1.5m - a good average Freehouse is in the £450,000 to £800,000 range with 'bargain basement' houses around £300,000
A: For Management - in most cases absolutely nothing, however if you are asked for money - and there are some companies out there who are operating on the "fringe of legality" - be careful ... ask questions ... or better still - ask us!
For Tenancy - £8,000 - £60,000. The 'ingoing' figure would normally involve fixtures and fittings, valuation/legal fees, security deposit and some working capital. Some companies are so desperate to let these pubs they'll even lend you the money to get in. However, a good tenancy can be had for around £20,000 - £45,000.
For Leasehold - usually £50,000 to £200,000 and over. There are many complications and pitfalls to leasing. Not recommended for inexperienced Service Leavers ... proceed with caution.
For Freehouses - either purchased outright or with the help of bank/brewery/company finance. From £250,000 to over £1.5m - a good average Freehouse is in the £450,000 to £800,000 range with 'bargain basement' houses around £300,000
Q: Do I need a partner to come in with me?
A: No - many companies employ single Managers so your partner, if you have one, can decide whether or not to help you run the business. However, if you do want to come in as a 'couple' there are plenty of opportunities available ... and if you don't have a partner you soon will have - Licensed Retailing is a very "sociable occupation"!
A: No - many companies employ single Managers so your partner, if you have one, can decide whether or not to help you run the business. However, if you do want to come in as a 'couple' there are plenty of opportunities available ... and if you don't have a partner you soon will have - Licensed Retailing is a very "sociable occupation"!
Q: How much can I expect to earn?
A: Trainee/Assistant Managers - £17,000 - £24,000 (but remember, promotion comes quickly for those with ability)
House Managers - Up to and over £40,000 plus bonus - and in most cases food and accommodation and in some cases 'Live Out allowance'.
Tenants should be able to make between 12% - 22% net profit on turnover as declared profit.
A: Trainee/Assistant Managers - £17,000 - £24,000 (but remember, promotion comes quickly for those with ability)
House Managers - Up to and over £40,000 plus bonus - and in most cases food and accommodation and in some cases 'Live Out allowance'.
Tenants should be able to make between 12% - 22% net profit on turnover as declared profit.
Q: How soon do I need to apply?
A: For Management roles with large companies allow two months from application to appointment; for regional companies/small employers, you may need to be available within a few weeks or even immediately. Allow approximately 3-4 months timescale for Tenancies.
A: For Management roles with large companies allow two months from application to appointment; for regional companies/small employers, you may need to be available within a few weeks or even immediately. Allow approximately 3-4 months timescale for Tenancies.
Q: What about my family?
A: For Tenancy, Lease or Freehouse - no problem - just clean up the mess left by the outgoing Licensee and move in!
Direct Entry Manager - move in straight away or for 'lock-ups' you will normally be offered company accommodation 'Live Out Allowance'.
Fast-Track/Assistant/Trainee Managers - you will usually have to make your own arrangements for any dependants not working with you until you are appointed to House Manager ... but there are exceptions or in some cases assistance.
A: For Tenancy, Lease or Freehouse - no problem - just clean up the mess left by the outgoing Licensee and move in!
Direct Entry Manager - move in straight away or for 'lock-ups' you will normally be offered company accommodation 'Live Out Allowance'.
Fast-Track/Assistant/Trainee Managers - you will usually have to make your own arrangements for any dependants not working with you until you are appointed to House Manager ... but there are exceptions or in some cases assistance.
Q: How long does the training last?
A: "How long is a piece of string?" This depends on you, your ability, confidence, motivation, mobility, background etc! Some Service Leavers consider the Four Week Resettlement Course with Herron House to be enough and go for Direct Entry, some go for 'Fast-Track' and can expect to be appointed as Manager within 5-12 weeks, others may opt for the Team Leader Trainee/Assistant route to gain more practical experience and take 1-2 years before applying for Full Management ... Some may even decide that Assistant Management is as far as they wish to go. You may also decide to go for self-employment following a period in Management.
A: "How long is a piece of string?" This depends on you, your ability, confidence, motivation, mobility, background etc! Some Service Leavers consider the Four Week Resettlement Course with Herron House to be enough and go for Direct Entry, some go for 'Fast-Track' and can expect to be appointed as Manager within 5-12 weeks, others may opt for the Team Leader Trainee/Assistant route to gain more practical experience and take 1-2 years before applying for Full Management ... Some may even decide that Assistant Management is as far as they wish to go. You may also decide to go for self-employment following a period in Management.
Q: Will the qualification I receive from the Resettlement Course be nationally recognised?
A: Yes! British Institute of Innkeeping Qualifications are recognised throughout the Licensed Retail Sector.
A: Yes! British Institute of Innkeeping Qualifications are recognised throughout the Licensed Retail Sector.
What if I have more questions?
A: Call Herron House on 01524 843263. Even if you decide not to do the Resettlement Course with us we are more than happy to help you make your career decisions. The last thing that we want is for you to commit your Resettlement Allowances to a course and industry that may not be right for you.
A: Call Herron House on 01524 843263. Even if you decide not to do the Resettlement Course with us we are more than happy to help you make your career decisions. The last thing that we want is for you to commit your Resettlement Allowances to a course and industry that may not be right for you.
