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Do you have an inner Bet Lynch? Search for Manchester’s best pub landlords and ladies is on!

By Ben Southworth

Do you fancy yourself as the next Bet Lynch? Or perhaps your hotpot rivals those of Betty Williams?

If so, then you could be facing the opportunity of a lifetime – your chance to become a pub landlord.

Award-winning pub company Admiral Taverns are looking for people with an enterprising outlook and a will to succeed to join their list of licensees across England and Wales.

The company are holding an open day at the Park View, Higher Blakely, on July 16 aimed at attracting entrepreneurs from the Manchester region who fancy being their own boss and taking on a pub.

Suzanne Smith, head of licensee recruitment and training at Admiral Taverns, said: “The life of a pub licensee can be extremely varied and rewarding.

“Publicans have a crucial role to play in communities as their businesses provide an essential hub for local people and organisations to meet and socialise.”

Admiral own more than 1000 pubs in England and Wales, including many across Manchester and now they’re looking to get even more people involved.

Geoff Thomas, 64, from Salford, took over the Church Inn in Salford last December  and has said the decision has turned his life around.

Mr Thomas had retired from working as a landlord seven years ago but was convinced to take over at his local when the previous owners retired.

He said: “The regulars told me to step up as I had experience but I said no as the pub was dead.

“However when two regulars walked in one day with £1500 each in hand, I saw how much people wanted the pub to stay open.

“Taking the job has turned me into a new man. Before I was a couch potato but now I have lost weight, and am ecstatic with business.

“My sister has even commented that I look better than I did five years ago!”

Since Mr Thomas has taken over the business has really taken off, and with the help of Admiral Taverns he has even been able to open a tropical beer garden.

“Since I took over Admiral Taverns have been fantastic. To get me on my feet they gave me 10 weeks free rent followed by 10 weeks half price rent – and they offer great deals on the drinks I buy from them.

“The company have backed me 150%; when they saw what I had done with the beer garden, Admiral gave me £1,000 towards the cost and now they help with anything I need for the pub.”

Previous experience of the pub trade isn’t necessary as the pub group has special training programmes devised to help new entrants hit the ground running.

Ms Smith added: “We’re looking for driven, inspirational individuals who aspire to run a great community pub and who want the freedom and flexibility that comes with running their own business.

“We’re passionate about pubs and people and are proud to have been crowned 2013 Pub Company of the Year at the Publican Awards.

“The open day is a great opportunity for ambitious people in the region to come and talk to us.”

The open day is free to attend and runs from 11am-6pm on July 16, Admiral Taverns’ business development manager Neil Rhymes will be on hand during the day to answer any questions.

For more information call Admiral’s Ceri Radford on 01244 505255 or visit www.admiraltaverns.co.uk       

Image courtesy of ITV via YouTube, with thanks

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