Frequently Asked Questions

While previous experience of running a pub or running a business is an advantage, it is not essential. More importantly is the vision for the business, the passion, commitment and drive to make the business a great success.

We have bespoke training course specifically designed for new entrants to the pub trade.

We can be flexible in the type of agreement we enter into with you and therefore the amount of money you need, but aside from an initial deposit, rent and fixtures and fittings, working capital will also be crucial, especially in the initial trading period.

Landing on an exact figure is difficult to answer in isolation – without relating it to a specific pub, business plan and projected financial performance. Having a realistic expectation of what the pub can do is important for both you and Admiral.

Our Business Development Managers can work closely with you to establish the funding requirements of your business but it is also very important to take advice from an independent professional, such as an accountant.

Again, this is very difficult to answer as it entirely depends on the type of pub you are going to run, the business plan and projected sales and profits. Once again, our Business Develop Managers can work with you to establish these projections.

It is important that the expectations of what the business will do are realistic and again, we would strongly recommend that licensees seek independent advice when writing a business plan or reviewing projected figures.

Taking on a pub and being your own boss are not without risk, and clearly, being self-employed is very different to having a salaried job. However, there is also the prospect of greater reward – in terms of freedom, flexibility and also financial reward.

In many cases Admiral is happy to enter a six month-agreement at first. This gives you an opportunity to get to know us and the pub, and understand if a pub and associated business opportunity is right for you. If you successfully complete six months and are happy to move forward with the pub, we would then seek to introduce a longer-term agreement.

Ultimately the aim for both you and Admiral should be to sign a "substantive" agreement – which essentially means to a long term deal typically of at least three years covered by the Tenant And Landlord Act. This means that both parties are afforded important rights under the legislation and also means that both you and Admiral are working together in a long-term partnership.

All licensees must have taken Pre-Entry Awareness Training (PEAT) and must also hold a Personal License, granting the right to sell alcohol in a pub. Admiral can facilitate PEAT and also co-ordinate your Personal Licence application through the BII.

Admiral also runs a number of bespoke training workshops that are designed to help licensees drive their businesses forward. These courses are free to attend and more information can be found on the training workshop section of this website.

Certain insurance policies do need to be in place and once again our Business Development Managers can advise you as to what cover you must have before you take on one of our pubs. The obvious ones are health and safety cover and contents insurance. It is also prudent to take out some form of personal cover in case you are unable to work for any reason.

We strongly urge Admiral licensees to use an accountant from day one. Running a pub is a demanding job and having an accountant on hand will help you stay on top of the finances.

We would also recommend that licensees employ a stock taker to undertake regular stock audits. Again, this is really important as it enables licensees to track stock and make sure they can account for all the goods going through the business.