Steve and Karry Baker wanted more than to manage pubs, they wanted to be their own boss and utilise their entrepreneurial skills.

The husband and wife team realised that ambition when they took on the lease of the Peaks Inn at Castleton in the Hope Valley.

The rundown rural community pub was gutted and extensively refurbished in a joint investment with owner Punch Taverns and the couple got to work to make a success of a business that caters for local people and the seasonal tourists who head for this attractive part of the country.

Steve and Karry, who are both from Sheffield, had six years experience in licensed trade management to call on when they decided to branch out with their own pub.

Steve explained: “We knew the area and we could see that although the Peaks Inn was rundown it had potential and it was a great opportunity for us.

“We had entered the trade as trainee managers with the Whitbread training scheme and progressed from there, working in various pubs.  We just felt we wanted something that would be more rewarding.

“In the managed sector you have to do things in a certain way and there are restrictions, you do not always feel you can use your entrepreneurial skills.”

That said, Steve recognises the benefits their practical experience provided when they became lessees.

He said: “We did take a lot on board, but leasing was a chance to implement everything we had learned.  And one of the reasons it has worked so well is that we put so much of ourselves into it, our personalities influence the atmosphere in the pub.”

Since taking on the pub in October 2003, Steve and Karry have introduced new features such as Sky Sports, extended the food offering and regularly organise karaoke nights and live bands.  They also believe in getting involved with the local community through fundraising and support for local organisations.

Their hard work is paying off.  The business beat their initial budget forecast in its first year and was up a further 20 to 30 per cent the following year.

Steve said: “People may think the pub trade is easy to go into with very little training, but I don’t agree.  It’s not easy and you do need some business background.  You must also have strong customer service skills, get the right team in place, keep them motivated and create a good working atmosphere.”