Heineken has announced sweeping changes to its pub division, unveiling a new name – Star Pubs & Bars – that removes the last links with the Scottish Newcastle Pub Company that it bought back in 2008.
At the same time, Heineken joins other major pub landlords in reviewing and changing its leasing arrangements with a broader range of leases as well as greater flexibility for deals already in place.
This includes a 3 year ‘Business Start-up Agreement’ designed to enable managers to give trade a major lift, but with a low cost entry price that will allow lessees to establish and build their business in the first year of operation.
The standard agreement has also been changed from a fixed five years to a rolling three-year period, again giving leaseholders more flexibility – and motivation.
New packages will also help leaseholders deliver more attractive food offerings, whilst profiting more from the start.
H&C News will report more fully on these changes and their implication as the full detail emerges.