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This is an agreement to allow entry into a pub that gives a retailer the facility to develop their own business with the full help and support of Marston's Pub Company, without the higher entry costs of a traditional tenancy or lease agreement.

It gives all the support and guidance that you would expect from a managed house but allows you to use your own entrepreneurial skills to develop and grow your business.

Before you take on a new retail pub we will refurbish the interior and exterior of the building to a high standard, where it is required. It will then remain our responsibility for all ongoing repairs to the building. We will also make sure the domestic living accommodation is of a comfortable standard so you can concentrate on running your business not decorating. In addition we also retain ownership of the fixtures and fittings, the stock for resale and all the running costs of the pub i.e. rates, electric, gas, water, utilities and marketing. We will work very closely with you to ensure your business is as successful as possible.

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions which may help you decide whether this is the right agreement for you.

Will I be employed by Marston's?

No. You will be a self employed individual or partnership. This will be your own business and you will need to register as such. We recommend that you get professional advice to help you decide on which is the most suitable for your own circumstances.

What are the ingoing costs for this business agreement?

There is no premium for the agreement; but you will be required to lodge, with Marston's, a security deposit for the duration of your agreement. This will vary depending on the turnover of the business. it will attract interest whilst it is lodged with Marston's and will be returned to you at the end of your agreement subject to there being no outstanding balance on your sales account or shortages in stock or F+F.

How much will I earn with the retail agreement?

That will depend on how you manage the business. You will receive a percentage of the net turnover of the pub, this will be approximately 20% of the pubs turnover, but may vary depending on the style and size of the pub.

When do I get paid?

You will be asked to raise a weekly invoice to Marston's at the agreed rate for the preceding weeks trading. This will be paid immediately.

Who will be responsible for the staffing of the business?

You will have total responsibility for the recruitment and training of your staff although we will provide at our cost the initial staff training to ensure your first few weeks go as smoothly as possible. You will also be responsible for paying them and keeping records and any legal requirements from inland revenue or other agencies. Your Marston's BDM will be on hand at all times to help and guide you through the procedure. You will also have full access to our Marston's free legal helpline.

What support will I get from my BDM?

Your BDM will ensure that you agree a business plan before you enter the pub. This will then form the basis of regular business reviews that you will have with your BDM. these meetings will include reviewing levels of trade, promotions and events, stock levels and results, local opportunities, standards and your personal development. You will be encouraged to contribute and add agenda items to these meetings that drive your business forward.

What other support will I get from Marston's?

In addition to your BDM you will have the support of the area property surveyor to ensure that the property is maintained to the required standard.

You will also get the support of a Beer Quality Technician

The Beer Quality Technician helps you look after your beer and cellar; you will also get support from the training team. The training will guide you through the rudiments of operating your pub through a series of work books that build into an invaluable guide into running your pub.

Is there any other training available for me and my staff?

Once appointed to a retail agreement pub and prior to you opening and trading it, we will ask you to attend the Stepping Stones training programme, at our cost. This gives an introduction to running your pub. You will receive a two day EPOS (electronic point of sale) training session (again we pay for this) to build confidence in controlling your business through the till system. There is also a full programme of training available to all Marston's tenants and retailers for both personal and staff development. The current list of availability and prices are available online on the My Marston's web site. Many of these courses are available in your locality and bookable through your BDM or direct with our training department.

How long does the retail agreement last?

The initial agreement is for a period of five years.

Can I get out of this agreement if I change my mind?

The agreement is excluded from the landlords and tenants act. The full terms and conditions are laid out in the contract, a copy of which is available for you to view on our website. There is a rolling six month break clause that allows you to give six months written notice should you wish to terminate the agreement. We also retain the right to terminate the agreement if you commit a breach of the terms and fail to rectify it. We recommend that you take professional advice to ensure you fully understand this agreement before signing it.

I'm about to take a lease on a pub. Can I have a retail agreement?

No - the retail agreement is only available on selected pubs. details of these will be available on our website. This is updated regularly.

Is the retail agreement assignable?

Yes - it is assignable with our consent, subject to a number of conditions that are listed in the agreement.

What type of pubs are available on the retail agreement?

Most pubs selected for the retail agreement will be community based locals. The core of the business plan will be focusing on becoming the heart of the community with a spotlight on real cask ale, regular entertainment and a small, value for money food offer.

Will I be able to have a darts team in my pub?

We believe that darts teams like other teams in pubs are the essence of what makes a good community pub. Your BDM will be encouraging you to build your business around what is popular in your local area. It could be darts but could equally be a dominoes team, or a pool team may be right. it might likewise be a wii night that attracts your locals in on a quiet night. you, your customers and your BDM will decide what is right for your pub.

Will I need an accountant?

You will be operating your own business, and you will need to keep records much as any other business would need to. We advise you to take professional advice, but a licensed trade experienced accountant is recommended. We are able to offer you a cost effective online payroll system if you require it. We will equip the business with all the tools necessary to control the sales, stock and admin of the business, the majority of this will be through a fully integrated epos till system.

I am currently not EPOS experienced; will I receive training on the tills?

Before you start trading your pub we will ask you to attend a two day training course which will fully explain how the epos till system works. In addition we will ask you to work alongside one of our more experienced retailers (operating a retail agreement), for a few days to get a first hand feel of the systems and controls in our retail pubs.

Do I need a business bank account for the takings?

No - you will be asked to bank all the takings at least three times a week to avoid holding cash on site, into Marston's bank account. This will be at a local bank or post office agreed with your BDM. Depending on how you set up your own personal business you may need a business bank account, you should ask your accountant or financial advisor for advice.