Holding Pub Management
Keeping pubs operational between permanent management or operating arrangements.
When a pub needs temporary leadership between managers, tenants or operators, we can provide a holding arrangement tailored to the level of operational responsibility required.
We can either provide the management function or, where the agreement calls for it, take on wider responsibility for temporarily operating the venue.
Two ways we can provide holding management
Temporary Operating Arrangement
Bespoke commercial agreement
Management Assignment
From £1,250 per week
When a holding arrangement makes sense
Holding management provides continuity when a venue needs to remain operational but there is a gap prior to its next permanent management or operating arrangement being in place.
Between operators or tenants
The outgoing operator or tenant has left before their replacement is ready to take responsibility for the venue.
Permanent management vacancy
The venue needs accountable operational leadership while a permanent manager is recruited or appointed.
Delayed handover
A new manager, tenant or operator has been identified but there is a period before they can take responsibility for the venue.
Unexpected change
An unexpected departure or change in circumstances leaves the venue requiring immediate management or temporary operation.
Only need short-term cover?
For holidays, sickness or brief management absences, our Relief Pub Management service may be more appropriate.
Starting the assignment
Before we take responsibility for the venue, we agree how the holding arrangement will operate, what responsibilities we will take on and what remains with the pub company or owner.
Scope & Responsibilities
We agree the required start date, anticipated duration and the areas of operation we will be responsible for throughout the holding period.
People & Payroll
We establish the existing staffing structure and agree responsibility for team management, recruitment, payroll and labour costs according to the chosen holding arrangement.
Communication & Reporting
We establish nominated contacts, reporting expectations and how operational, staffing or other significant matters should be communicated or escalated during the assignment.
Systems & Controls
We agree the access, systems, financial controls, operational procedures and other practical arrangements required for us to manage or operate the venue effectively.
The scope is agreed before commencement so that responsibility and accountability are clear from day one.
During the holding period
Once the assignment begins, we take responsibility for the agreed scope and provide the day-to-day leadership needed to keep the venue operating effectively throughout the holding period.
Operational Leadership
We provide a visible management presence, oversee day-to-day trading and maintain clear direction for the venue and its team.
Team & Labour
We lead the team, manage rotas and labour deployment and respond to staffing requirements within the responsibilities agreed for the assignment.
Standards & Controls
We maintain agreed service standards, operational routines and management controls, addressing issues that require immediate attention.
Trading & Performance
We keep sight of trading performance throughout the holding period, managing the areas within our agreed responsibilities and responding to operational priorities as they arise.
Our focus is on maintaining a stable, well-managed operation while preparing the venue for whatever comes next.
Every holding assignment is different, but the objective remains the same: maintain continuity throughout the holding period and provide a clear transition into whatever comes next.
Handover
Preparing for handover
As the holding period comes to an end, we work towards an orderly transition to the incoming manager, tenant or operator.
Depending on the assignment, this can include:
Briefing the incoming management or operator
Providing relevant operational information
Identifying outstanding priorities or actions
Support team communication around the transition
Coordinating the agreed transfer or responsibilities
Providing a clear end-of-assignment update
We aim to leave the venue stable, organised and ready for its new management or operating arrangement.
Lets discuss your holding requirement
If your pub is between managers, tenants or operators, or you know a transition is approaching, we can provide the continuity needed to keep the venue trading and properly managed throughout.
Tell us what is changing, when the holding arrangement is required and the level of operational responsibility you need us to take on. From there, we can discuss the most appropriate arrangement for the venue.