Apply & find a pub: Application process
This section details our application process and the various stages you must go through in order to ultimately obtain the keys to your own pub.
When you're ready to enquire about opportunities with Punch Taverns you can do so in one of two simple ways:
- Call one of our Selection Coordinators on 0870 1261711.
- Fill in our online registration form.
Once you've made contact, our recruitment team will send you company information if required within 24 hours of receipt of your details. It has never been easier to apply to Punch Taverns... simply fill in our online application form.
Don't worry if you haven't yet identified a pub you'd like to operate, you can still contact us, register your details and arrange to meet with one of our representatives who can discuss with you your individual requirements.
Your application, which involves us conducting a credit search, and a telephone based screening interview, will be processed. Should you be successful, your application will be passed to our operations team within 5 days to discuss your application and arrange a first interview which will usually take place within 15 days.
The first interview will be held with one of our Business Relationship Managers (BRM’s). The purpose of this interview is for us to establish that you possess the qualities, skills, determination and business acumen required to succeed.
Should you progress through this interview successfully we can now proceed with your application for a specific pub or place you on our preferred candidate base from which to apply for vacant pubs.
| Step 4. business plan and second interview |
This will usually follow in one of two ways:
- Following the successful completion of step 3 but you have not yet identified the pub you want to apply for, we would place you on our preferred candidate list to await a suitable opportunity. We will ensure that we communicate all vacant opportunities to you on a monthly basis.
- Once you have identified the pub you would like to operate, which you would usually do via our vacancy list of opportunities, you will have approximately 15 days with which to complete a Business Plan on the pub to present at second interview to the Punch team.
Our Business Plan is available to download.
In both of the aforementioned scenarios, proof of finance will be required at this stage. Do you require financial help?
| Step 5. Confirmation of agreement |
Following this meeting we would hope to be able to offer you the pub with a complete schedule of our terms and your agreement.
Punch Taverns will ensure that all legal documents are professionally explained to you. You will be advised to seek thorough advice from an independent legal and/or financial advisor.
This process would ordinarily be expected to take about 28 days, but requires your commitment to achieve this timescale.
If you would like to read in more detail the countdown to agreement completion then click here.
Once we have agreed our confirmation of agreement with you and the legal process has begun, then during this 28 day period, prior to entering the pub, it is mandatory to complete our 10 day Modern Licensed Retailing Induction Training Course.
Read more in training.
Once you have completed your Modern Licensed Induction Training Course, the Business Relationship Manager will then, prior to you entering your pub, conduct a business meeting, which thoroughly works through the company's Business Set-up Guide.
This guide ensures that essentials like VAT, taxation, pricing, stock management, licensing and cost management disciplines are set up and implemented. This will ensure our licensees are given every opportunity to succeed in their business from the start.
Move into your pub and commence trading!