Online research drives 10% rise in Star Pubs applications

Heineken-owned Star Pubs has seen pub applications increase by 10% in January compared with the same period last year.

The company said the increase reflects would-be tenants taking more time to research the trade, increasingly online and on social media, before making a decision to apply. Many are also choosing to better understand the financial performance of their chosen pub themselves, rather than relying solely on accountants.

In response to this trend, Star Pubs has revamped its introductory training to include helping licensees build their business plans earlier in the process, with particular attention on costs like staffing that have significantly increased in recent times.

It has also introduced a new online training portal with content including first-hand accounts from leased and tenanted operators of what it is like to take on a pub for the first time.

Star Pubs head of attraction, Hance McPherson, said: “The economic uncertainty of the last few years hasn’t dented enthusiasm for running a pub, but combined with the move to seek knowledge online, has profoundly changed the way would-be licensees research taking on a pub.

“The industry needs to adapt to these long-term trends in order to meet their wants and needs. Nearly 60% of applicants now find their pubs through our website and social media, outstripping traditional routes like ‘to let’ boards – a shift that’s up 15% in the last three years alone.”

Heineken last year said it would invest £40m in enhancements and renovations across its Star Pubs estate, which operates around 2,400 venues.

Image credit: Shutterstock