In our most recent franchisor interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Connor from Ale Hub about their exciting franchise opportunity. He shared valuable insights about their exciting franchise opportunity, shedding light on the unique benefits and reasons that make it an attractive choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
How is Ale Hub different from other similar franchises in the UK?
We are a unique proposition as there are currently no other small pub franchises on the market in the UK. Some of the big corporate chains refer to their offers as franchises, but they are not in the traditional sense. They are more like profit share arrangements than a business solely owned by the Franchisee.
What is your biggest achievement at Ale Hub so far?
Our biggest achievement is growing to nine pubs despite multiple economic challenges. We opened our first pub during the pandemic, which was a difficult time for the industry, but it allowed us to develop a durable business model.
What is the best feedback you have heard about your brand?
The best feedback we have had is that we help save local communities. Many housing estates are built without a place for the local people to go and build relationships, so we help provide that. Many pubs these days are focused on selling food, so having a place where people can go just for a drink and make new friends is vital to communities.
Why would you recommend Ale Hub to people wanting to open a franchise?
By creating a hub where people can meet in a relaxed and comfortable environment, they can make a real difference to their local community. All our pub managers end up making new friends through their relationships with customers.
What qualities does the ideal franchisee possess?
Our ideal Franchisee would be outgoing and keen to talk to people in their community and build relationships with customers. They would also need a good head for business and numbers to maximise the opportunity.
How long does the process of starting an Ale Hub franchise take?
Having found a suitable venue, the total time to open the doors would take roughly six months. If the suitable venue already has the relevant licensing and planning permission in place, this would be shortened to around 4 months.
How much support and training is offered to your franchisees?
Pre-opening, the Franchisee will spend a week in one of our existing venues, learning how our pubs work. They would then have one of our existing managers with them for their opening week to provide any required support. After that, there is ongoing support from the management team with regular visits and phone calls.
In what ways do you help Ale Hub franchisees achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Our business model can work with the Franchisee doing as many hours as they want. They can employ a full-time manager to oversee the pub, or they can work in the pub themselves. Our current managers work a 40-hour week, and their salary is built into the figures. We would not expect our Franchisee to work any more than that.