Neil Robinson - BII Cheif Executive

 


BII Chief Executive Neil Robertson outlines the support that the professional body is offering members and the wider industry throughout 2010.

New entrants into the Trade
As the professional body for the licensed retail industry it is right that BII should provide a ‘one stop shop’ for all those looking to run a licensed premises for the first time. We have a dedicated section on the BII website packed with advice on getting started, and signposting to other useful sources of information. We are also now offering new entrants the opportunity to be mentored by one of our senior members.

Licensees’ Business Support Helpline
For many years BII has offered free member helplines on a number of key topics such as legal matters, licensing law, health & safety, HR, energy suppliers, etc. We launched a new Licensees’ Business Support Helpline a year ago and, in that time, it has helped members with strategic advice and assistance on a range of issues from rent to property purchase to fire regulations, and many more.

Business Rates
Rateable values is of course a hot topic and the cause of much concern in recent months. We have created an online forum on the BII website for members to post questions and share experiences. We followed this up with an advice column on the website to take the mystery out of the process.

The next strand of activity is a series of roadshows, which we’re running in conjunction with Punch Partnerships, Carlsberg and The Publican, to explain the 2010 rateable values and how to minimise liability. Expert advice is being given at some of these events by Fleurets’ own Michael Yass. The rates part of the agenda is being complemented with a presentation on how to maximise the potential of the forthcoming World Cup.

Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS)
Originally a BII initiative, the new rent dispute resolution service was introduced in late 2009 through a collaboration with other industry bodies. The scheme offers a fixed-priced, independent and binding outcome when landlord and tenant have exhausted normal rent review negotiations.

Qualifications
Newcomers to the trade will soon have the added cushion of pre-entry training. BII’s awarding body BIIAB is developing an e-learning programme, which will enable the fresh-faced to be fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations before they sign on the dotted line.

The licensed retail industry is moving at a pace and BII is helping members to keep one step ahead of the game. Our remit is raising standards of professionalism and it’s important we do this in a multi-faceted way, so the support we offer our members and the industry as a whole is constantly evolving.

www.bii.org  01276 684449