Winners of the prestigious BII Licensee of the Year Award 2013, Ashley and Kelly McCarthy, will share the secrets of their success with fellow publicans as part of the increasingly popular BII Business Mentor scheme which gives members access to expert advice.
Ashley and Kelly from the Ye Old Sun Inn in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, join a 45-strong team of BII mentors with proven success in the industry. The mentors offer first-hand advice and guidance to both new and established licensees on a range of subjects, from trusted suppliers to acquiring funding, opening a new pub or restaurant, staff training, customer proposition or help on the path to becoming a multiple pub operator.
Tim Hulme, CEO of the BII, said: “Unsurprisingly the BII Business Mentor initiative is one of our most highly valued member benefits, especially among freehouse licensees who sometimes feel quite isolated without the support of a managed or tenanted pub company.
“All of our mentors are hugely experienced professionals who bring masses of enthusiasm and great ideas, helping new licensees get off on the right foot, as well as problem-solving or providing support to established, successful businesses keen to develop and expand. Our mentors provide solid, workable solutions, face-to-face whenever possible, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Mentees have reported increased profits, happier customers, more motivated staff and in some cases mentors have ‘saved their business’. We’re delighted to have Ashley and Kelly on board.
“The initiative is part of our on-going plans to reshape the BII and provide relevant, valuable business advice and support to our members.”
The roll-out is part of a new, improved BII membership package which currently includes buying group discounts with savings of up to 25% and BII expert helplines that offer free advice on topics including licensing, HR and employment, property, legal and financial support. BII members also have access to training courses and e-learning, the monthly BII Business magazine and monthly e-news, help with managing finances including an easy-to-use budget duty change calculator and apprenticeship schemes.
For more information on the BII and its mentoring scheme, please call 01276 684449.