What qualifications do I need to manage a pub?

Question

I am 25 years old and have recently completed my NVQ level two catering qualifications, having previously been an assistant bar manager and assistant restaurant manager. I have just started the level three course on a part-time basis.

I work full-time in the kitchen of a four-star hotel as a chef de partie, but when I finish my course I would like to run a venue with my partner, who is an assistant bar manager at a four-star hotel. We both hold licensee certificates, but what other qualifications would be useful? I have heard of people leasing pubs from breweries, but should we get experience as a management couple first?

What the expert says

Julian Bradwell, human resources director, Greene King Pub Company

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Once you have passed your NVQ level three you are likely to have already gained the essential qualifications needed to go into pub management. These are: - - Basic Food Hygiene - Basic Health and Safety - National Certificate for Licensees - First Aid - Fire Safety - National Certificate for Licensees - Drug Awareness The following qualifications are not essential, but could be beneficial: - Advanced British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Certificate in Retail Financial Management - Advanced BII Certificate in Retail Business Development It is prudent to go for the management route before leasing. Having a few years' experience as a manager would also help if you need to borrow money later to become a tenant.